Dr. Rowena Burden’s recent announcement to challenge Gwen Garcia for the Cebu governorship in 2025 has raised eyebrows due to her choice of rhetoric. 

Engaging in personal attacks and making unverified allegations, such as claiming Garcia’s involvement with a ‘has-been’ actor for a sexual tryst, detracts from the essence of a political campaign.

Political competition should be based on issues, policies, and vision for the future, rather than resorting to character assassinations. While it’s important for candidates to scrutinize their opponents’ records and decisions, ad hominem attacks diminish the quality of public discourse and erode trust in the political process.

Voters deserve informed choices, and it is the responsibility of the candidates to provide a constructive and respectful dialogue. 

Dr. Burden should focus on articulating her own plans for Cebu’s future and engage in debates that allow for a healthy exchange of ideas. Encouraging a respectful and issue-driven campaign will serve the public interest and democracy in a much more meaningful way.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Quezon City Bureau ) -Showtime marked Congress’ 2024 budget deliberations yesterday when Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel found himself silenced while making known his objections to the speedy passing of the measure. It turns out Manuel was trying to sing “Bayan Ko” as part of his protest.

As he bravely crooned the protest anthem, Speaker Martin Romualdez justified the microphone muting, citing a most unusual cause – off-key singing. 

Apparently, Manuel’s vocal stylings hit such dissonant chords that even the most enthusiastic supporters of democracy couldn’t endure the auditory assault. It seems the House believes in harmony but not when it comes to budget discord. 

Aspiring pop stars beware: Congress isn’t the place to audition for the next “Voice” season!