‘Secret’ of winning the election

“Listen, do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell?”

—The Beatles in a 1963 song, Do You Want To Know A Secret

 

By Alex P. Vidal

ANYONE can actually win in the Philippine election on May 12, 2025.

Anybody—rich or poor, educated and uneducated, marginalized or not, married or single, famous and unheralded, those belonging to political clans or independents with no wherewithal and big organization.

The “secret” is found in the book Commetariolum Petitinis translated from Latin to English by Harvard University’s Dr. Philip Freeman; he included it in the amazing book, “How To Win An Election”, an ancient guide for modern politicians.

Commentariolum Petitionis (“little handbook on electioneering”), also known as De petitione consulatus (“on running for the Consulship”), is an essay supposedly written by Quintus Tullius Cicero (65-64 B.C.) as a guide for the campaign of his brother, Marcus Tullius Cicero, who wa elected consul of the Roman Republic in 64 B.C.

“I have tried to make my translation accessible, colloquial, and as clear as possible to modern readers, while remaining faithful to the sense of the original text,” writes Freeman, who holds the Qualley Chair of Classical Languages at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The book tells us that in 64 B.C., when idealist Marcus Cicero, Rome’s greatest orator, ran for consul (the highest office in the Republic), his practical brother Quintus decided he needed some no-nonsense advice on running a successful campaign.

“What follows in his short letter are timeless bits of political wisdom, from the importance of promising everything to everybody and reminding voters about the sexual scandals of your opponents to being a chameleon, putting on a good show for the masses, and constantly surrounding yourself with rabid supporters,” explains Freeman.

 

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Freeman describes it as “unashamedly pragmatic primer on the humble art of personal politicking is dead-on (Cicero wins)–and as relevant today as when it was written.”

Like Machiavelli’s Prince, this short treatise provides timeless and no-nonsense counsel to those who aspire to power.

Idealism and naiveté are left by the wayside as Quintus tells his brother–and all of us–how the down-and-dirty business of successful campaigning really works.

Freeman says the letter is full of priceless advice for modern candidates, but some of the choicest gems are:

1. Make sure you have the backing of your family and friends. Loyalty begins at home. If your spouse and children aren’t behind you, not only will you have a hard time winning but it will look bad to voters. And as Quintus warns Marcus, the most destructive rumors about a candidate begin among closest to him.

2. Surround yourself with the right people. Build a talented staff you can trust. You can’t be everywhere at once, so find those who will represent you as if they were trying to be elected themselves.

3. Call in all favors. It’s time to gently (or not so gently) remind everyone you have ever helped that they owe you. If someone isn’t under obligation to you, let them know that their support now will put you in their debt in the future. And as an elected official, you will be well placed to help them in their time of need.

 

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4. Build a wide base of support. For Marcus Cicero this meant appealing primarily to the traditional power brokers both in the Roman Senate and the wealthy business community–no easy task since groups were often at odds with each other. But Quintus urges his brother as an outsider in the political game to go further and win over the various special interest groups, local organizations, and rural populations ignored by other candidates. Young voters should be courted as well, along with anyone else who might be of use. As Quintus notes, even people no decent person would associate with in normal life should become the closest of friends during a campaign if they can help get you elected. Restricting yourself to a narrow base of support guarantees failure.

5. Promise everything to everybody. Except in the most extreme cases, candidates should say whatever the particular crowd of the day wants to hear. Tell traditionalists you have consistently supported conservative values. Tell progressives you have always been on their side. After the election you can explain to everyone that you would love to help them, but unfortunately circumstances beyond your control have intervened. Quintus assures his brother that voters will be much angrier if he refuses to promise them their hearts’ desire than he backs out later.

6. Communication skills are key. In ancient Rome the art of public speaking was studied diligently by all men who aspired to political careers. In spite of the new and varied forms of media today, a poor communicator is still unlikely to win an election.

 

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7. Don’t leave town. In Marcus Cicero’s day this meant sticking close to Rome. For modern politicians it means being on the ground pressing the flesh wherever the key voters are at a particular moment. There is no such thing as a day off for a serious candidate. You can take a vacation after you win.

8. Know the weakness of your opponents–and exploit them. Just as Quintus takes a hard look at those running against his brother, all candidates should do an honest inventory of both the vulnerabilities and strengths of their rivals. Winning candidates do their best to distract voters from any positive aspects of their opponents possess by emphasizing the negatives. Rumors of corruption are prime fodder. Sex scandals are even better.

9. Flatter voters shamelessly. Marcus Cicero was always courteous, but he could be formal and distant. Quintus warns him that he needs to warm up to voters. Look them in the eye, pat them on the back, and tell them they matter. Make voters believe you genuinely care about them.

10. Give people hope. Even the most cynical voters want to believe in someone. Give the people a sense that you can make their world better and they will become your most devoted followers–at least until after the election, when you will inevitably let them down. But by then it won’t matter because you will have already won.

(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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘May Real ID ka na ba?’

“For me, your real age is not the age on your ID. That's just a date when you were born.”

—Jose Mourinho

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE were neither surprised nor irritated when constantly badgered by fellow Filipinos living in the United States if “may Real ID ka na ba?” (Do you have a Real ID?)

We also did the same to others whenever there was opportunity akin to asking, “bomoto ka na ba?” (Have you cast your vote?) or “nagpa bakuna ka na ba?” (Have you been vaccinated?)

But why should we have it? What if we don’t have it yet? The answer is: we must and should have it before May 7, 2025.

For instance, if my New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then I do not have a REAL ID-compliant document.

A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID that will be required to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.) or enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless we have a valid passport.

If we don’t have it yet, we will only have ourselves to blame. Here’s why: US-based Filipinos who care for fellow Filipinos residing permanently in America were never remiss in reminding each other about the need for and importance of having a Real ID.    

One of the biggest news in the United States nowadays is that starting May 7, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing Real IDs.

Those who don't have a Real ID card by that date could face issues traveling in the United States and lose access to certain federal buildings.

 

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Real IDs were a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, formed in 2002 under former President George W. Bush, for the federal government to "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards."

In addition to boarding domestic commercial flights, Real IDs will be required to grant access to certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

The US Congress formally passed the Real ID Act in 2005. However, the federal government has delayed enforcing Real IDs several times over the last two decades.

Although Real IDs are a form of identification, DHS said they are not considered proof of citizenship.

"If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft," DHS said.

However, there are variations. Depending on the state, Real IDs can feature a gold star, a black star, a gold circle with a white star cutout, or a black circle with a white star cutout.

In California, Real IDs have an image of a gold grizzly bear with a white star cutout.

DHS announced on April 24, 025 that New York State Real IDs, enhanced licenses, and identification cards will have a star or the US flag.

Adults flying domestically in the United States can show an alternative form of identification.

 

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

The agency's website shared a list of accepted identification options, including US passports, US passport cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), and more. However, in April, the TSA said that the temporary paper card given to applicants by the DMV would not be accepted.

If travelers don't have an acceptable form of ID, a TSA officer "may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening."

"You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed," the TSA's website says.

DHS added that passengers attempting to fly without proper identification "expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint."

 

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What are the privacy concerns around Real ID?

Alexis Hancock, director of engineering at the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the program “pushes for regimes that strip privacy from everyone and further marginalize undocumented people.”

She sent an email statement to USA TODAY saying, “While Real ID-compliant identification will soon be required to enter TSA checkpoints, there is no reason this can’t and won’t expand to include additional ‘official purposes’ with federal entities in the future.”

Because identifying information is currently stored at the state level, Hancock added that the program’s unified standards could make it “even easier” to transfer sensitive information over state lines, such as when state DMVs have reportedly sold data to third parties.

The American Civil Liberties Union has similarly said the law would facilitate data tracking on individuals if fully implemented.

“By definitively turning driver’s licenses into a form of national identity documents, Real ID would have a tremendously destructive impact on privacy,” the organization’s website reads.

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

 

Destroying others because of election

“Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

—Abraham Lincoln

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

LET’S be careful when lambasting others and destroying their reputations only because of election rivalries.

It’s normal to have arguments and disagreements on certain issues. It’s normal to poke fun at comical errors and imperfections, as long as it doesn’t harm or assassinate characters.

It’s not normal to permanently terminate relationships by burning the bridges and tearing down the walls only because both protagonists dispute a certain elective public office.

Elections come and go. A shattered reputation can still be refurbished but can never be restored again just like a shattered glass.

Thus, if we concoct lies and pass them on as gospel truth, our intention is really to inflict irreparable damage, not to build and improve.

Do we really need to destroy others only because we want to win in a competition?

No Filipino politician has recovered from shame and stigma after engaging a fellow politician in mudslinging and flame-throwing during the campaign trail—win or lose.

The nasty and rancid issues they hurled toward each other will not only reverberate in the community where they campaigned during the polls.

They will be engraved in the memories of the electorate.

 

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And even if many years have passed by, the dirty accusations and vitriols will not be erased easily; they will even be reprogrammed, rehashed and replayed like a broken record when another political hustings shape up.

The canard and aspersions will not only add insult to past injuries, but they will also produce additional distress to the vanquished and traumatize their loved ones.

The late former Iloilo City mayor Rodolfo “Roding” Ganzon never forgave his old rival, the late former assemblyman Fermin “Nene” Caram, for calling him “putyong” (uncircumcised).

Even after his “retirement” from politics, former Iloilo City lone district representative Rafael Lopez-Vito continued to be sore at his one-time political foe Ganzon, who accused him of being “member of the (House) committee on silence” allegedly for “doing nothing” during his tenure in congress.

Nowadays when a candidate will say it even in jest, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) under chairman George Erwin Garcia will give him a “show cause order” or even file disqualification proceedings against him.

 

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‘YOU’RE A PIG.’ Don’t feel bad if an adversary or critic will call you a pig. Ronald Reagan, like George Bush and Bill Clinton, was also called a pig but he retorted, “I am very proud to be called a pig. It stands for Pride, Integrity and Guts.”

BRA SIZE. According to a U.S. market research firm, the most popular American bra size is currently 36C, up from 1991 when it was 34B.

POWERFUL GRASS. God wants us to live like the grass. In spite of being stepped on, crushed, burned, or cut, it always persists and grows back…even greener and stronger.

FIRST SCENE. The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime-time television were Fred and Wilma Finstone.

MEET THE 10 NEW SUPERFOODS. The superstars—blueberries, almonds, tomatoes, flaxseeds, broccoli, red wine, salmon, olive oil, edamme, brown rice. The understudy—strawberries, peanuts, white button mushrooms, beer, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, trout, safflower oil, black beans, barley, (Source: Sally Kuzemchack, R.D., Fitness: Mind, Body + Spirit)

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS will continue for all candidates in the May 12, 2025 election a week or two after the final results have been known. The pain of defeat is the most fatal of all. Acceptance will come later.

For candidates in the May 12, 2025 election who lagged behind the surveys: Never, never, never give up! Bilog ang bola.

(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)

 

 

 

Justice for ‘Mang Johnny’

“The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is a duty of the living to do so for them.”

—Lois McMaster Bujold

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

SINCE it is election season, some people might think former Publishers Association of the Philippines Incorporated (PAPI) board chairman Johnny “Juan” Dayang, 89, was murdered in his Barangay Andagao residence in Kalibo, Aklan on April 29 because of politics.

No one can tell since Mang Johnny was also once a politician, having served as OIC mayor of Kalibo, Aklan after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 until 1987.

But who would be interested to kill an 89-year-old semi-retired media leader inside his house?

There was no report he was a candidate in the May 12, 2025 Philippine election that would bolster suspicions he was “silenced” by a political rival.

It was not known if he was actively campaigning for certain national and local candidates.

Did he write an expose against corrupt and bad elements in society that made them plot his murder as an act of vendetta?

Police investigators will have their hands full since the grisly murder has been reported all over the world and various international and national media organizations have condemned the incident and called for justice.

It was, perhaps, the first major incident of media killing in the Philippines involving a very prominent personality in the profession under the Marcos Jr. administration.

 

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We knew Mang Johnny as a publisher of the Philippine Graphic Magazine; we were together on many occasions involving mostly PAPI and Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines (FPPCP) affairs in Metro Manila in the early 90s.

I remember having attended a three-day national PAPI affair together with Mang Johnny and my fellow journalists from Western Visayas held at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila sometime in 1996.

It was one of the last PAPI events that I attended and was cut short because I was scheduled to fly to Jakarta on the last day.

We once attended his birthday party also in the 90s held in a big hotel in Malate, Manila together with the late Panay News publisher Daniel “Danny” Fajardo, Dayang’s bosom friend and regular companion during the foreign trips of the late former President Fidel V. Ramos.

We condemn Mang Johnny’s senseless murder, and we are confident his assailants, believed to be hired assassins, will soon be identified and arrested now that police probers reportedly have moved to secure possible CCTVs nearby that would help in their investigation.

 

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Research reveals that people who sit for long stretches may be twice as likely to develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer--even if they exercise. "Standing not only burns more calories, it also stimulates the circulation of a dietary fat-absorbing enzyme called lipoprotein lipase," says Barbara Ainsworth, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and wellness at Arizona State University.

DANGER OF HOT WATER. When we are in a rush, it's tempting to use hot water from the faucet to brew our Earl Grey. But this shortcut can expose us to contaminants like lead, copper, and rust. "Hot tap water is more likely to leach these compounds from your pipes," warns James M. Symons, the author of Plain Talk About Drinking Water. That may put us at risk to potential problems, such as lead poisoning.

LET'S WORK SLOWER, BOOST OUR CAREER. We may think owing our bosses requires lots of multitasking, but concentrating on one project at a time will make us successful. "Don't assume you can process multiple pieces of information simultaneously--spreading your attention too tin ups your odds of making a careless mistake," says Mark Fenske, Ph.D., a co-author of The Winner's Brain.

“Don't wash, I'm coming home!” -- NAPOLEON TO JOSEPHINE, on his way back to Paris from the front. Napoleon, a wide reader, knew that a woman's genitals are a self-cleaning system and in fact more sanitary than many other parts of the body, including the mouth. The scent of nature and nature is good.

(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)