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As election day draws to a near, the senate race seems all but clear in terms of political affiliations. Whatever happens, it seems that the possible final twelve will be composed of six candidates from the “Genuine Opposition”, four candidates for Team Unity, and two “independent” candidates.

Safe and Making The Cut:

1. Loren Legarda (GO), 59%
2. Manuel “Manny” Villar (GO), 46%
3. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (GO), 44%
4. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Ind.), 42%
5. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (GO), 39%
6. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (GO), 37%
7. Ralph Recto (TU), 36%
8. Alan Peter Cayetano (GO), 35%
9. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (TU), 33%
10. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan (Ind.), 33%.

Genuine Opposition = 6 ; Team Unity = 2 ; “Independent” = 2

On The Bubble:

11. Edgardo Angara (TU), 32%
12. Joker Arroyo (TU), 31%
13. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (TU), 28%

Here’s how the top 24 senate lineup looks so far in graph form. (via Inquirer)

Manuel has also made some graphs of the rise, fall, and/or steadiness of the senate candidates throughout their campaign run.

The senate race is turning out to be a little bit disappointing, I didn’t expect a sweep for the opposition, but I had hoped that maybe only two Team Unity candidates would have a chance.

My extreme disappointment so far lies with Honasan being able to make it into the top 12. He was clearly losing ground in early April, but I think being able to “get out” and campaign has really helped his cause. Although, I am still disappointed that he has accomplished, once again, to be able to charm his way into another senate seat, there is still time for voters to realize the selfishness of such a candidate. His dependability is in question, especially after the elections when the administration once again will try to take hold on the government.

Although, I have no support for Trillanes, I would still favor him over any of the current administration candidates. Nonetheless, it seems that in the end, the Senate still goes to the opposition candidates. And from the graph, you will also notice one other candidate that has had a noticeable increase in percentage rating, and that is no other than Zubiri himself. I guess, the machinery worked for him, but I bet the latest survey had him breathing a whole lot easier.

What About The Governors, Mayors, etc.?

With all the focus on the senate race, I’m afraid, that the current administration is still holding the trump card. And that card is in the form of all the mayors, governors, and other elected officials that are poised to win in the local elections. The “Local” trump card could even possibly help in a nationwide cheating machinery that has the opposition very wary and skeptical.

Nationally, the opposition has a chance, but it has neither the money nor influence to have a huge affect on the local elections. Of course, money is the main reason why the opposition will have a hard time in local elections, but I think the other reason is that voters seem to separate the local elections from the national, and thus do not tend to equate the totality of governorships or mayorship and the role of this majority in national politics. With this respect, the administration has done a tremendous job with its machinery to dumb down partisan politics when it comes to local elections.

Brainwashing?

But let’s get back to the senate races. I’ve seen the television reports, media interviews, and press statements. What it all comes down to is that this administration wants us to believe that they can still rack up and win the majority of the 12 senate seats. Brain washing? Conditioning? Whatever you call it, the propaganda is obvious, and is being hurled at the voting public very aggressively.

The question is, are we stupid enough to believe the hype?

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