OP-ED OPINION/COLUMN: To The Point by Emil Jurado- Bongbong-Sara in the end

Santa Banana, I have been a journalist for more than seven decades, and I must confess I have never seen a local and national election as crowded as this one!

I don’t know if my figures are correct, but as far as those vying for President and for Vice President, there are no more than 30, and my gulay, those running for the Senate are now 92.

Those who have filed for the partylist contest were 192 as of the latest count!

It is looking like a circus. They say that those running are in it for the love of the country. But, as I see it, many of them are running for something else, my gulay!

In the presidential race, I can only count five who are running because they believe they can really help the country. They are Senator Ping Lacson, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, former Senator Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Those running for Vice President and Senate President Tito Sotto, partylist Rep. Lito Atienza, Dr. Willie Ong and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

I have not listed the vice presidential running mate of Bongbong Marcos, but it looks like it will be Senator Christophere Lawrence “Bong” Go.

Smart choice. If I were allowed to add to my list those I believe are worthy, they are Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda and all the reelectionists.

For me it would be good to have former Vice President Jojo Binay, former Vice President Noli de Castro, former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and Senator Leila de Lima.

My gulay, the senatorial race is certainly crowded. If I had not listed all the reelectionists, I beg your pardon. But, I know in the senatorial race like we have now, name recall will be a significant factor.

There is also former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano who will try to make a comeback for the Senate.

Clearly, former senators and entertainers have an edge.

It’s both good and bad. Good, because there are more names to choose from, and bad because with the plurality of candidates, people cannot make the right choice.

As I said, voters will just rely on name recall —not the best way to choose your next leader.

From what I have heard, the presidential race will be a close one between Bongbong Marcos and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

For vice president, it will also be a toss up between Bong Go and Senate President Tito Sotto. Go has done a lot with his Malasakit Center initiatives and what he has been doing to help distressed people during typhoons.

With the support of Ilocanos for Bongbong, it will be Bong Go.

The Bongbong-Bong Go tandem, to my mind, is as good as a Bongbong-Sara combination – a North and South team up, geographically and demographically speaking.

When Filipinos vote a North and South combination, it is considered perfect.

I was not surprised by the late filing of the COC of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for the presidency accompanied by the Energy Secretary of Cusi-wing of the PDP-Laban.

To my mind, it is for some strategy purpose in the case of Sara Duterte-Carpio, who I still believe will eventually run for vice president with Marcos as President.

While Sara claims she is for reelection as Davao City mayor, knowing Philippine politics as it is, when politicians say one thing, you can expect another.

Politicians are known for doublespeak.You may be wondering why I have not included 1Sambayan candidate Leni Robredo.

It is simply because poll surveys continue to place her at the bottom of the heap of presidential wannabes. At this point, Robredo’s chances are considered nil.