When Rappler ran "'Ideally’: Bam Aquino’s not-so-ideal situation,” I read it twice. Not because it was confusing, but because it hit a nerve. The article painted a picture of a politician boxed in by history, surname, and shifting alliances. And as I scrolled through comment sections, one question kept echoing in my head: is Senator Bam Aquino genuinely expanding dialogue or is he slowly dipping his toes into the same old trapo swamp?

Let’s not pretend the math doesn’t matter. The Duterte base remains influential. Even after leaving office, Rodrigo Duterte maintained strong approval ratings, with Pulse Asia surveys in 2022 placing him above 70% at one point. That’s not a niche demographic you can ignore. Any national candidate who dismisses that bloc outright is practically sabotaging their own campaign. So when Bam appears more cautious, less confrontational, and more inclusive toward DDS audiences—part of me understands the calculus.

But here’s where it gets tricky. Bam built his brand around education reform, youth empowerment, and good governance. He wasn’t known for firebrand rhetoric—he was known for policy work. So when critics accuse him of “panliligaw"—subtle gestures, softened criticisms, carefully worded statements—it doesn’t just feel strategic. It feels like a potential identity shift. And in Philippine politics, identity shifts can smell like strategic crap when they’re not explained clearly.

Maybe what we’re seeing isn’t pandering. Maybe it’s pragmatism. Democracy, after all, requires talking to people you disagree with. If Bam wants to push reforms again whether on MSMEs, digital infrastructure, or student support he needs a broader coalition. And coalitions aren’t built by shouting across ideological trenches. They’re built by listening. Still, I can’t blame people who feel uneasy. We’ve watched too many politicians adjust their tone depending on the room they’re in.

Rappler described his scenario as “not-so-ideal,” and that’s accurate. The Aquino name carries weight—admiration for some, resentment for others. He enters any race with built-in baggage. So perhaps this outreach to DDS circles is less about betrayal and more about survival in a hyper-polarized environment. But survival politics can easily slide into convenience politics, and that’s where voters start feeling played.

I’m torn. On one hand, I don’t want leaders who refuse dialogue. On the other, I don’t want leaders who water down principles just to avoid offending potential voters. If engaging DDS communities is about national healing and genuine conversation, I can respect that. But if it’s about neutralizing criticism and stacking votes quietly, then we’re just watching the same recycled bullshit in a different shade of yellow.

In the end, what I really want isn’t ideological purity. I want transparency. If Bam is recalibrating strategy, then say it. If he believes unity requires tone adjustments, then defend it openly. Filipino voters are not stupid. We can handle complexity. What we can’t handle anymore is political theater pretending to be moral evolution.

The Frontman