MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In Philippine politics, what you see is not necessarily what you get. (Well, actually, it’s not just in the Philippines).

It has been long rumored that incumbent President NoyNoy Aquino secretly supports Senator Grace Poe’s candidacy to become his successor, despite the fact that he has publicly endorsed and ‘anointed’ former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to become the next president of the Philippines. Roxas is running under Aquino’s Liberal Party.

Poe was Aquino’s original choice to be Roxas’ VP running mate, but  she declined and instead opted to run for president. The senator has since been leading in the polls while Roxas has consistently  been rated at the bottom of the presidential pack.

But it seems there are more secret deals that Filipino voters may not be aware of.

Reliable sources indicate that Roxas has all but accepted the fact that he is not going to win the election.  However, the same reliable sources said there is a standing agreement between Poe and Roxas (with Aquino’s blessing, of course), that if Poe becomes president,  she will appoint Roxas as Philippine ambassador to the United States.  Roxas’ wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez, has reportedly been wanting to live in Washington, D.C. to be part of the U.S. capital’s social elite.

Many political observers have also expressed opinion that Miriam Defensor-Santiago strategy has always been to recruit Bongbong Marcos, son of the late Ferdinand E. Marcos, as her vice presidential running mate.  The young Marcos knows that being the running mate of Santiago, who is dealing with cancer, is his best and quickest ticket to the presidency.  Should anything happen to Santiago, Marcos becomes president.

As far as Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is concerned, it is believed that he is not really interested in becoming president.  He just wanted a national forum — through the campaign — to promote what he has done in his city in as far as peace and order is concerned.  His ultimate goal? To win the Nobel Peace Prize!

Last but not least, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s main objective for running is to avoid prosecution in graft and corruption charges that are expected to be filed against him once his VP term expires.  The charges are in connection with the overpriced Makati City parking structure that was started during his term as mayor of the city.  If Binay becomes president, he will continue to be immune from lawsuits, as are all presidents during their term of office.

Speaking of secrets, many are wondering who among the presidential candidates has the backing of the United States.  That, dear readers, is top secret.