Thread by @mlq3

An interesting read, on the communication styles of Robredo, Lacson-Sotto, and Moreno, with the author making the case for Moreno being the successful communicator with a winning message. My own quick thoughts in thread. link.medium.com/KbonhYYOojb

First on Veep: the biggest obstacle was news on her didn’t/wouldn’t get out, and here media deserves scrutiny aside from the tactics of swarming her supporters on the part of the President’s people.

Second on Lacson-Sotto; it seems clear their angle is to pitch themselves as improved (calmer, more competent, not-wierd) version of the strongman leadership 2016 proved is a sizeable and energized constituency. Plus as senators they are proven vote-getters on a national scale.

Reading between the lines though one could argue both Robredo and Lacson have telegraphed an openness to not running if they lack the numbers by October or before the actual campaign formally begins. This makes me revisit my PoV on Moreno.

I am inclined to believe that his leaving NUP and joining Aksyon where Vico Sotto already is, was a tactical one to spare NUP scrutiny since its main purpose like other corporate subsidiary style parties, is to protect corporate interests with a strategic bloc in the legislature.

Aksyon has been rejuvenated and one has to wonder how it got revived; the moving of Moreno suggests with him came resources. Note that other corporate sibsidiary style parties: NPC (to which TitoSen belongs), NP have also wisely refrained from having presidential bets so they can

easily either openly or under the radar swing support to other bets; the viable one here seems TitoSen so it would open up the tantalizing and old school formula-rich possibility of an Isko-TitoSen tandem with both speaking the same showbiz language but Isko having security of a

veteran politician in his corner (no fears of a coup and a welcome mentor in national politics). The only maneuvering required is to get the Veep and Lacson to see the writing on the wall and endorse Moreno as the unifier (his respectful behavior at death of Aquino III remember?)

Pacquiao has less and less leverage since all Mindanao politicians know he would divide and thus destroy Mindanao’s leverage; who will want to hitch their star to the outmaneuvered Koko Pimentel anyway? So that’s what I think at this point.