Why Robin Padilla could be the next vice president

“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”

—Winston Churchill

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

FOUR years ago, we saw the possibility of now senator and former showbiz “bad boy” Robinhood “Robin” Padilla joining the ranks of other misfits in the Philippine Senate.

Alas, it did not only come true, the former inmate in the New Bilibid Prison also was ranked No. 1 in the 2022 elections with 26, 454,562 votes.

Filipino voters have been notorious in electing below par candidates to higher public offices like Erap Estrada, Lito Lapid, Manny Paquiao, Bong Go, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla Jr., among other inept characters, thus it didn’t come as a surprise that they made the swaggering 56-year-old Padilla senator.

And because of this, given his immense popularity among the hoi polloi and unschooled, there is a possibility they will elect Padilla as the next vice president when he tandems with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in 2028.

Choosing mediocre leaders in a free election like the system in the Philippine has been part of sad but accepted realities in democratic countries in many parts of the world, not just in the Philippines.

This is something Filipinos anywhere in the world have learned to face and accept.

 

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Incompetent leadership often results from a complex interplay of biases, flawed promotion practices, and insufficient development opportunities.

With the right framework, however, organizations can make leadership competence a core value and avoid the costly mistakes that come with unfit leaders.

Plato had warned about the “aberrations” of democracy thousands of years ago, or about 500 years before Jesus was born (this has always been the timeline I suggested to refer to the period of the Greek philosopher’s existence) in “The Republic.”

Widely acknowledged as the cornerstone of Western philosophy and the first great examination of political life, Plato’s “Republic” was written around 375 B.C.

It still holds insights into ethics and political life that can teach the modern world, especially Filipinos who will elect their leaders on May 9, 2022, many a lesson.

A student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, Plato witnessed democracy begrudgingly in his city of Athens.

Ancient Athenian democracy differs from the democracy that we are familiar with in the present day.

 

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Athens was a city-state, while today we are familiar with the primary unit of governance operating nationwide.

Consequently, governance of a smaller population enabled more “direct” forms of democracy rather than the “representative” forms accorded by contemporary constitutions, according to Arc Ninian in Why Plato Hated Democracy.

 It “isn’t their fault” actually if the likes of Pacquiao, Padilla, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, etcetera, are elected to public office, especially those running for president as long the constitution allows it.

Under Article VII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, a Filipino can be elected president if he or she is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.

Unless the constitution is changed, every “qualified” Filipino will have the opportunity to win the presidency and occupy elected seats in the lower and upper chambers of congress.

Philippine democracy is also susceptible to suffer from voter ignorance, which is seen as one of the major reasons for the decline in quality of elected leaders.

 

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The cause of voter ignorance may not be due to a lack of intelligence.

Rather voters are simply rationally ignorant and rationally irrational. Rational ignorance means that voters are logical and/or reasonable for staying uninformed about politics, according to Criticism Against Democracy.

This is because to become an informed voter, according to Austrian philosopher Geoffrey Brennan's standards, it would be extremely cost-prohibitive to the individual.

“It would take an enormous amount of time to become informed to such a level and stay informed about current political events. When doing a cost-benefit analysis, most people would find that becoming informed is not worth their time. Therefore, people are considered rational for choosing not to be informed,” it added.

Rational irrationality refers to the fact that it is logical for people to have cognitive biases resulting in irrational beliefs.

Similar to why it is rational for voters to be ignorant, the cost-benefit analysis to correct cognitive biases is not in favor of the informed voter. Brennan claims that “just as it is instrumentally rational for most people to remain ignorant about politics, it is instrumentally rational for most of them to indulge their biases”.

 

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According to this theory, as pointed out in Criticism Against Democracy, “the costs outweigh the benefits because it would take an excessive amount of work to find neutral/fair information and correct one’s own biases.”

It added: “In both cases, voters remain ignorant and irrational because the costs to become an impartial, informed voter do not outweigh the benefits. The impact of a competent vote is futile. In the grand scheme of things, a single vote amounts for very little. The chances that one’s vote would be the deciding factor in the election is minuscule; therefore, why would one take the time to inform themselves with very little reward? One could spend an abundance of time becoming informed and rational only to result in the same outcome.”

Politicians and special interests like poll surveys have also attempted to manipulate public opinion for as long as recorded history—this has put into question the feasibility of democratic government.

Critics claim that mass media actually shapes public opinion and can therefore be used to "control" democracy. Opinion polls before the election are under special criticism.

It has been said that misinformation—such as fake news—has become central to elections around the world.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

 

Leron-Leron Sinta’s Epstein files publicity acrobatics

“Never use your own money. Steal a good idea and say it's your own. Do anything to get publicity. Remember that everybody can be bought.”

—Jimmy Breslin

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IT is now becoming obvious Senator Loren “Leron-Leron Sinta” Legarda aims to ride on the publicity generated by the late Jeffrey Epstein’s popularity even if the case has nothing to do whatsoever with the interests of the Filipinos.

Epstein’s case, particularly the “Jeffrey Epstein or Epstein files” is currently one of the hottest topics in the United States and is giving the Trump administration plenty of trouble.

During the Senate’s session February 10, Leron-Leron Sinta signified her intent to file a resolution “seeking to look into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s footprint in the Philippines.” Whoa.

When the issue wasn’t yet full-blown in the U.S., Leron-Leron Sinta never thought of even mentioning it in any platform in the Philippines.

Now, she is planning “to ask the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, or the Senate Committee on Women to look into the reports.” Yudi ha.

Epstein has been dead a long time ago. His accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell is now serving a jail term in the U.S. The issue about Epstein files is a sex trafficking problem the Americans are trying to resolve.

What “footprint in the Philippines” is Leron-Leron Sinta talking about? Why can’t we tackle our own domestic problem on sex trafficking, madame?

Joseph Pulitzer once said, “Publicity, publicity, publicity is the greatest moral factor and force in our public life.”

 

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The controversy surrounding the issue stems from the massive, multi-year release of over three million documents, videos, and images (as of February 2026) detailing the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors by the late financier, and the subsequent exposure of Epstein’s connections to powerful global elites, politicians, and celebrities.

Leron-Leron Sinta emphasized the need “to examine the organizations, syndicates, and public relations companies that allegedly worked to help cleanse Epstein’s physical and digital image.”

Loren-Loren Sinta was quoted in the Philippines press saying, “This is very recent. It’s right here at our doorstep. I don’t know whether it was him personally or his associates, but this convicted pedophile—who was supposedly a financial wizard at the time and who died or was killed—had a network in the Philippines.”

She added: “I will file the resolution to look into Epstein’s footprint in the Philippines, the organizations and syndicates that worked with him, as well as the PR companies that helped cleanse his physical and digital image in the Philippines, based on the reports I have read.”

Three more million files have yet to be released, and the delays have sparked word war and heated debates among lawmakers pushing for files’ full release and the Department of Justice (DOJ) which the lawmakers accused of redacting the files and delaying its release.

 

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The files demonstrate that despite a 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, Epstein maintained, and in some cases renewed, relationships with influential figures, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew. This has fueled accusations that a "system" protected him for years.

The release, mandated by the "Epstein Files Transparency Act" signed in late 2025, has led to severe political repercussions in the U.S. and Europe, with several officials stepping down or facing investigations. Critics have attacked the Justice Department for heavy, "ham-fisted" redactions, accusing it of protecting perpetrators while exposing victims.

Recent, in-depth releases (such as the January 2026 dump of three million pages) have often contradicted public statements made by public figures regarding their relationship with Epstein, such as the extent of Howard Lutnick’s visits to Epstein's island.

 

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The names of some perpetrators or associates were shielded while personal information of survivors was allegedly exposed.

The files have triggered investigations and political resignations in several countries, most notably in Norway, where former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland was charged with aggravated corruption, and in the UK, where politician Peter Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords.

The files, which include thousands of emails and testimonies, have provided a grim, detailed look into a vast, international sex trafficking operation that thrived for years while its perpetrator maintained high-level social and business ties.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Debate for self destruction?

“I will no longer mutilate and destroy myself in order to find a secret behind the ruins.”

―Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THE issue on sovereignty is sacrosanct.

It shouldn’t be subjected to “friendly” (there is no such animal when emotions are at fever-pitch) debate among those who are part of it—unless foreign interests threaten it.

The matter is crucial because it establishes a state's supreme, independent authority to govern itself, create laws, and control its territory without external interference.

No Filipino—politician or ordinary man in the street—in his right mind should tamper with the sacredness of our national sovereignty

Our sovereignty in the Philippines is the foundation for international stability, protecting our national interests, fostering our self-determination, and providing a framework for diplomacy, trade, and peace.

Sovereignty becomes the supreme authority of a nation or state over its territory and inhabitants. It is understood that sovereignty is essential to the autonomy and self-determination of any state. It protects the ability of a people to create laws, control its national resources, and shape its future.

 

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Because sovereignty is the power that a people exert over their nation and for themselves, it may not be imposed upon them by any other nation or people.

The violation of national sovereignty by another power or state may have a series of catastrophic consequences, such as the destruction of an entire social ecosystem, international sanctions, or war.

Thus, if two prominent leaders of the country debate whether we own the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) which is part of the national sovereignty and maritime security, we are showing the world, especially our adversaries, that we are weaklings; that we have identity crisis and we are not sure who we are and what we are fighting for.

Sovereignty gives our state the authority to defend its territory, enforce laws, and maintain security over its population.

It allows us to control our own resources and economic policies for our economic stability. If we fight over our sovereignty, it’s tantamount to self destruction or national suicide.

 

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The number of people in New York City who died rose 19, not 8 as we initially reported during a recent snap of brutally cold weather that lasted more than three weeks, city hall officials have reported.

The region has exited its Code Blue emergency, but the city was still keeping the protocols in place out of an abundance of caution as of this writing. Officials said expanded outreach and increased warming center capacity will continue through the end of the week.

Officials said on February 11 that seven more New Yorkers were confirmed to have died primarily from hypothermia since Jan. 19. Those deaths were at private homes and are not being added to the tally of 19.

Ten to 20 people die from hypothermia in the city during an average year, so 19 deaths in less than a month was considered unusual.

 

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AVOID CHEMICALS IN OUR CANS. Canned food alert: Consumer Reports found bisphenol A-a chemical linked to reproductive problems, diabetes, and heart disease--in all 19 brandname canned foods it tested, including those labeled BPA free. Because levels vary so widely, even among cans of the same product, there's no way to predict how much we're getting.

SEX REVS UP IMMUNE SYSTEM. Researchers from Wilkes University showed that college students who engaged in sex once or twice a week had 30 percent higher levels of infection-fighting antibodies than did their abstinent classmates.

REENERGIZE WITH EXERCISE EARLY EVENING. Even though we're tired, forcing ourselves to do aerobic exercise will energize us for a couple of hours and make it easier to fall asleep at night. Our body temperature naturally falls at night, shortly before bedtime, so the natural dip in temperature that happens about 2 hours after a workout can help us get to bed at a decent hour and wake up refreshed the next morning.

HOW SEX CAN DO A BODY GOOD. It protects prostate. Catholic priests have an elevated chance of dying of prostate cancer, and studies point to celibacy as a factor. In 2003, research on middle-aged Australian men found that those who averaged at least four ejaculations a week had a one-third lower chance of developing prostate cancer than those who had fewer, says Dr. Regina Nuzzo.

LET'S TIME OUR NAP AFTER LUNCH. Research shows that naps, especially "power naps" of 20 to 30 minutes, help ward off fatigue. To maximize the benefits, let's try taking a siesta after lunch, when our energy levels are particularly low. Let us limit rest to less than 30 minutes or stretch it out to 60 to 90 minutes to avoid grogginess that results from waking up in the middle of deep sleep. (Source: Prevention)

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

We could die outdoor

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

FILIPINOS with relatives and friends in the East Coast, particularly in New York City, are probably aware right now we have been experiencing here the coldest winter in two decades.

Alas, the “city that never sleeps” was again colder than parts of Antarctica on Sunday (February 8) after brutal, life-threatening winds swept across much of the Northeast and New England over the weekend.

For the first time since 2015, I stopped and ran fast to hide inside a laundry shop after being zapped by wind chills that hit 40-below while walking on my way to a bakeshop.

My reaction was instant; I actually didn’t know what hit me. I immediately felt excruciating pain and numbness as powerful wind chills blasted the exposed skin on my face.

The last time I experienced the apparent symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite while walking outdoor was in February 2010 in Chicago, known as the “windy city.”

Being exposed to severe winter cold outdoor isn’t a joke. We can’t underestimate it. We could die. That’s why authorities have been warning us to stay indoor as much as possible.

When exposed to the cold, the body can lose heat faster than it's produced. Over time, the body uses up its stored energy and body temperature begins to drop. Long-term exposure to the cold —especially if the body's core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit—can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and other problems.

 

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Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, fumbling hands, slurred speech, and mental confusion.

Frostbite can cause freezing of skin and tissues, most commonly on fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Symptoms include numbness, stinging sensations, and skin that feels waxy or looks yellowish gray. Severe cases can result in amputation.

People with asthma, chronic lung disease, or other respiratory conditions or illnesses are at higher risk when temperatures drop because cold, dry air irritates the airways, said Dr. Haitham Khraishah, a preventive cardiologist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and an assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

sThis leads to greater inflammation and causes muscles around the airways to constrict, which can lead to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or a burning feeling in the chest, especially during exertion.

Too much exposure to winter cold causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it, leading to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) and frostbite (frozen skin/tissue).

It can cause confusion, exhaustion, slurred speech, skin numbness, and damage to extremities.

 

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Temperatures hit 3 degrees in the New York City on Sunday, with bitter wind chills dragging the real feel temperatures to 14 degrees below zero. Parts of the northeast also reported wind chills that hit 40-below.

Temperatures are expected to increase every day this week, forecasters said.

The high Monday (February 9) was expected to be 31 degrees, with a low of 19 — higher than Sunday’s (February 8) high temp.

The rest of the week will be a veritable heat wave, according to Accuweather — with a week of highs above freezing starting Tuesday (February 10).

By Wednesday (February 11), the high temp will hit a tropical 41 degrees in NYC.

Rare Extreme Cold Warnings have been issued for more than 43 million people, including major metro areas such as New York and Philadelphia, through Sunday evening by the National Weather Service.

“The last time (New York City) had a warning issued similar to what we have this morning was in 2004,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan said Friday (February 6).

 

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Antarctica, by contrast, was a balmy 21 degrees at McMurdo Station—18 degrees warmer than the frozen Big Apple.

New Yorkers can thank a blast of Arctic air that is heading south from the frozen tundra north of Hudson Bay, Canada, for the latest round of winter misery.

“In many parts of the Northeast away from the coast, this prolonged stretch of cold is the most extreme in at least the last decade and, in some areas, the last two decades,” AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said.

Many locations will end up with a streak of days below freezing that falls into the top 10 longest such streaks on record,” he added.

This weekend is set to be the coldest day in what has already been a record cold snap, the worst in over two decades.

“The deep freeze is returning to the northeastern United States this weekend,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)