The bigger problems

"In the larger scheme of things, Sara is unimportant. So please do not file impeachment complaints. It will only distract us from the work of governance which is to improve the lot of all Filipinos."

- BOO CHANCO

That was BBM's message to his congressional supporters, which circulated on social media late last week. BBM eventually said he sent it as a private message which was leaked. It is a good message and an indicator of how BBM is getting better at his job.

Indeed, from the perspective of BBM, there is nothing more to be gained by raising the decibels of discord with the Dutertes. The brat had been shooting her mouth off that shows her to be unbecoming of the high position she holds and unworthy of being a successor to the presidency. Her fishmonger style of verbal combat only got her deeper into trouble and the DOJ and NBI must pick up from there.

On a practical level, an impeachment case will distract everyone and may not even manage to get the 16 votes in the Senate needed for conviction. So, why bother? Timing is essential. Maybe after the May 2025 elections. Make sure BBM and allies elect more senators first.

The bigger problem of BBM now is, as his message puts it, good governance to improve the lives of Filipinos. The big issue the Dutertes have been harping upon now is the worsening corruption under BBM's watch. Indeed, it is a growing menace that keeps our economy from really progressing like our neighbors.

BBM should do something about corruption like the increasing commissions of congressmen on pork projects which was exposed by Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong. But I doubt BBM would or could stop/moderate the greed of politicians in his alliance. He needs all the political support he can get now that the Dutertes are sniping at him and trying to get the armed services to withdraw their support from him.