By Manny Piñol
The survey numbers show that vice presidential bet Alan Peter Cayetano may have to hurdle three other candidates en route to No. 1 but there is no denying that he is a major factor in the expected victory of presidential frontrunner Rody Duterte.
Win or lose, Cayetano will certainly be a key figure in the Duterte Presidency, a major adviser perhaps who will most likely provide the fine tuning to the president’s vision of a transformed and reformed Philippines.
I was present when Cayetano declared his bid for the vice presidency at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City and witnessed how he persevered in convincing Duterte to run for the Presidency.
It was there where I told him that Chiz Escudero, who is also running for vice president, is a friend and that if Duterte decides not to run for President, I would support Chiz.
That did not seem to bother him, a character which I seldom see in other politicians who look at political competitions as personal quarrels.
My admiration for Cayetano grew when he never said a word after Duterte visited the Ilocos Region and talked with the Marcoses.
My brothers, especially retired colonel Patricio, admire Cayetano’s intellect and are sad over the fact that voters, at least those surveyed, have not really appreciated his value as a thinking leader.
There were several instances when I travelled with Cayetano and I had the chance of at least gauging the man’s attitude and intellect.
Honestly, I am impressed. He really is an excellent wingman for Duterte.
Duterte provides the frame of governance and Cayetano paints the finer details.
When Duterte said that people will be the centre of his governance, Cayetano designed programs that would really touch the lives of the ordinary Filipinos.
He proposed a P1-B funding for every region which could be accessed by poor families who would like to start livelihood projects but could not go to the banks to borrow.
Cayetano proposed the upgrading of the program for 4Ps beneficiaries which would include livelihood programs to lift them out of eternal dependence on government dole-outs.
It was Cayetano who proposed greater support for the fisheries sector and talked about giving justice for the coconut farmers who have been deprived of the benefits due them through the coconut levy.
More than that, Cayetano has served as Duterte’s defender, explaining the nuances of his presidential candidate’s oftentimes controversial statements.
This is a candidate for the second highest post in the country who publicly declares that he does not mind losing for as long as Duterte wins.
Certainly, Cayetano is not expecting anything in return but I believe Duterte, who appreciates his sacrifices and is comfortable with his presence, knows that he will be a reliable backstop and wingman as he enters the snake pit that is called Malacañang.
This is the reason why Duterte is asking his supporters to give their all-out support for Cayetano.
Duterte recognizes a talent when he sees one.
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