Next in Line

Senator Richard Gordon and Antonio Trillanes IV clash has momentarily taken the attention of the public regarding the latter's insistence to call Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and his brother-in-law, Atty. Manases "Mans" Carpio, in the latest Senate hearing about the recent Custom's corruption and illegal activities. One particular illegal activity is the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country with or without the knowledge of former BOC Chief Nicanor Faeldon. While Trillanes wanted their presence in the said hearing, it has stolen the spotlight for both Andy Bautista and Kian Delo Santos. Other than political dynasty, this sort of event is as constant as people are still electing corrupt politicians. Sonny may be next in line if Gordon's ethic complaint succeeds despite getting a minor support from his fellow Opposition colleagues. Are we ready to see Delima's heir in jail again?

Trillanes, one of the most well-known and vocal critics of Duterte, is very consistent in throwing tirades and accusations against the current administration since Duterte's first day in office and before he took oath. Even since the start of the campaign period, Trillanes exposed a list of Duterte's alleged controversies. One thing is for sure, he is loyal to his work - UNVEILING the darker side of Duterte. These controversies such as the President's hidden wealth and undeclared bank accounts in his SALN were already thrown in the thrash as the good Senator from Bicol is not only presumably good in accusing but not in producing concrete evidences. Who can forget the mysterious Joseph De Mesa who was supposed to be the informant of the alleged P211-million transactions in Duterte’s bank account? Is he still alive or just as fictitious as Pennywise? People have seen same Trillanes yesterday in the Senate as the Trillanes who failed to incriminate Duterte in the Davao Death Squad controversy. And he failed more in concluding Duterte as the mastermind of the alleged State-sponsored extrajudicial killings. And Gordon knows his game and perhaps he's the better player.

Taguba's apology to Paolo and Atty Carpio for involving them in the issue has put Trillanes in an unfamiliar territory. Mark Ruben Taguba II is an importer-broker and a key witness to the ongoing investigation. All of the sudden, this Custom issue might turn into another forgotten matter like what happened to the Espinosas and Matobato and Lascana's strange collaboration if no proper evidences come up. Perhaps, the man would rather rely his judgments and conclusions on pure rumors than evidences which he finds elusive. There are several possible reasons why Trillanes is doing this routine. One is to take revenge against Digong who turned him down as his running mate where the latter's sweet YES went to Cayetano. The second one is being a faithful pupil to Noynoy and the DILAWAN. Third is his ambition of getting a higher position for the next election. He could be the next President if he can overcome the odds and produce Joseph De Mesa alive. Bad publicity and black propaganda are still publicity. If the road for the vice presidency became stormy for Trillanes, what's more of being a presidential candidate?

Sonny is the next Leila if he thinks being in jail could make him more successful in dethroning Duterte. He has history with Gordon and badly been defeated by the latter in their arguments and narratives in the past months. How can a loser, as what some depicted him in the past and present, ever win? Surely, he knows how to play the game but doesn't know how to win decisively. Trillanes may be counting his remaining days as free as a bird again. He was detained for almost seven years for leading the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. It could be the bigger headline than his rebellion and easily end up in dust. People constantly forget things even they are significant or not. People may forget him as a senator and soldier. And seeing him in jail for the second time is not a surprise.

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