And So It Goes: A Chronicle of the Philippine Elections and Leni Robredo’s Campaign
Introduction
“And So It Goes,” a documentary by Ramona S. Diaz, takes us on a journey through the 2022 Philippine election, focusing on Vice President Leni Robredo’s quest for the presidency. The film offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s political landscape, showcasing the groundswell of support for Robredo and the challenges she faced. While “And So It Goes” effectively captures the election’s essence, it falls short of delivering a comprehensive analysis of the intricate political dynamics and the depth required for such a critical subject.
Leni Robredo’s Campaign and Political Dynamics
Robredo’s campaign begins with an air of grassroots enthusiasm, marked by massive rallies awash in pink apparel. With a formidable political background and a compelling personal narrative, she emerges as a strong contender to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte. Her events are characterized by vibrant performances and a sense of joy that stands in stark contrast to the prevailing nationalistic sentiments.
Beyond its depiction of Robredo’s campaign, the documentary touches upon the suppression of Filipino journalists, as exemplified by the experiences of Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa. However, it fails to delve deeply into the political machinations and strategies that shape the election’s outcome. The film’s focus on online harassment and disinformation, while informative, lacks a broader exploration of the reasons behind the attacks on Robredo.
Unveiling the Complexities of Robredo’s Stance
Robredo’s position as a female candidate opposing Duterte’s policies makes her a target of intense scrutiny. However, the documentary shies away from delving into the intricacies of her political stances. Her support among queer voters, coupled with her opposition to same-sex marriage and her stance on abortion, are complex issues that the film fails to adequately address. This lack of exploration prevents a nuanced portrayal of Robredo and her navigation of a deeply Catholic nation.
The Rise of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Influence of Propaganda
The emergence of Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, marks a significant turn in the election. The film exposes the pervasive propaganda campaigns that propel Marcos Jr.’s candidacy, targeting specific audiences with tailored messages. It highlights the challenges journalists face in combating misinformation and the erosion of democratic norms. However, Robredo’s perspective on these issues remains largely unexplored, leaving a gap in the film’s narrative.
A Surface-Level Examination of the Philippine Election
While “And So It Goes” offers a comprehensive overview of the 2022 Philippine election, it fails to provide a profound analysis of the underlying political dynamics and social issues that shape the outcome. The film’s straightforward, unobtrusive aesthetic approach, coupled with its focus on Robredo’s affable persona, results in a portrayal that resembles a campaign advertisement rather than a critical examination of the electoral process.
Conclusion
“And So It Goes” effectively captures the essence of the 2022 Philippine election, highlighting the groundswelling support for Leni Robredo and the challenges she faced. However, it falls short of delivering a comprehensive analysis of the political dynamics and the depth required for such a critical subject. The film fails to delve into the intricacies of Robredo’s stance on various issues, the rise of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the influence of propaganda, leaving a gap in the narrative. While it serves as a suitable introduction to the election for those unfamiliar with the events, it fails to provide a truly transformative exploration of the complex socio-political landscape of the Philippines.