Rumors about the supposed ‘Lenileaks’ spread by the social media (socmed) has reached Malacanang. Palace officials understandably treat the issue as something ‘serious’ but more discerning people think it is just another trash some people circulate for entertainment.
Dethroning a 6-month sitting President is simply a joke because the popularity of a leader never wanes overnight.
Plots to eject a new President from office takes time to gain adherents.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s supposed extra-legal measures in solving the country’s drug problem has earned the ire of many nations and institutions abroad. Interestingly, most Filipinos don’t buy their human rights violation reason because, for decades they have been victims of crimes and the drug menace.
The ‘Lenileaks’ is pure myth. Its source is dubious and it simply lacks credibility. Unless verified, it will remain incredible. Anyone worth his salt understands that a plot like ejecting a sitting President is layered and more complex.
The penchant to attribute a bad intention to any person has pervaded the socmed over time now. The practice has shamed many innocent people and created the perception that online communication has been abused to serve evil ends.
In socmed, issues change as fast as the next comment published online, and details are irretrievably lost in translation. Many socmed interactors, unfortunately, are often unfamiliar with controversial issues they muddle into.
For certain, President Duterte has accomplished much in his first six months in office. His leadership style may be rude and controversial, but the results so far of his campaign have been significant.
Truth to tell, the supposed ‘Lenileaks’ threatening President Duterte is fantasy.
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Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2017. Despite the bad weather, this year’s Kalibo Ati-Atihan was a resounding success. Acclaimed as the Mother of all Philippine Festivals, its success could be credited to Kalibo Mayor William Lachica and Aklan Provincial Gov. Joeben Miraflores’ leadership, the NGOs’ vital participation in welcoming visitors, and the guidance of the church.
In this year’s celebration, concluded last Sunday, the presence of thousands of foreigners and balikbayan was very noticeable. They were not just spectators; they participated actively in the hilarious, cultural, historical and religious event.
In our modest home in Kalibo, we happily hosted guests from Germany, France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, India, Spain and Singapore. Foreigners’ visit during Ati-atihan celebrations is a growing trend.
(Johnny Dayang)