Deadlier

By Alex P. Vidal 

“Look around. There are no enemies here. There’s just good, old-fashioned rivalry.”  —Bob Wells

THE Philippines is currently under siege by a “virus” deadlier than heat stroke: “political stroke.”

While medical experts describe heat stroke as a form of hyperthermia or heat-related illness, or an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function, “political stroke” is the virtual collapse of a relationship among erstwhile friends–because of politics and election on May 12, 2025.

Political rivalry has murdered so many friendships; and some quarrels have turned awry and may seem irreparable even after the May 12 polls because of intense mudslinging, name-calling, and character assassination during the campaign sorties.

Locked in bitter rifts and cold-shoulder treatments brought by partisan politics, kumpares, kumares, inaanaks, ninongs, ninangs are now ready to return the baptismal candles.

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In the social media, Facebook “friends” and X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok followers rooting for different candidates, have swapped insults and hurled unprintable against each other before “unfriending” one another.

Election season in the Philippines has also proven to be the number one source of animosity even among family members.

It’s only in the Philippines where a father is campaigning against his own son; it’s only in the Philippines where a younger brother running for Iloilo vice governor is being opposed by his own brother, who is endorsing another candidate.

And who can forget Guimaras’ hitherto “political Cain and Abel”— Felipe Nava and Rahman Nava—who have reportedly reunited.

Sibling rivalries in politics are very much prevalent anywhere in the Philippine archipelago.

Like in many areas of life, sibling rivalries in politics can stem from a few key factors, according to Psychology Today: a desire for individual recognition and power, a competition for parental resources and attention, and the inherent human tendency to compare oneself to others, leading to feelings of inferiority or jealousy.

Divergent political views can also reportedly exacerbate these rivalries, creating a sense of betrayal or rejection when siblings hold opposing beliefs.

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Intense political rivalries are compounding the alarming heat index, and the mayhem may not subside within weeks after the winners in the May 12 polls will be known.

In terms of damage and destruction to the Filipinos’ health and psyche, “political stroke” is giving heat stroke a run for its money.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), 21 areas in the country experienced “danger” heat index of 42-45 degrees Celsius on April 13, as easterlies or the warm wind from the Pacific Ocean continued to persist.

PAGASA recorded the highest heat index in Cuyo, Palawan with 45 degrees Celsius. A temperature of 44 degrees Celsius was also recorded in San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Sangley Point, Cavite City; and Virac, Catanduanes.

Additionally, Dagupan City; Barangay Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Iloilo City all registered 43 degrees Celsius.

Heat index is feared to hit from 37.9-38.5 Celsius, which the PAGASA said is the equivalent of a 45.4 Celsius heat index.

The searing heat is here to stay and not yet inclined to leave the Philippines.

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THE MOON HAS A TAIL. A glowing 15,000-mile (24,000 km) tail of sodium atoms streams from the moon. The faint, orange glow of sodium cannot be seen by the naked eye but is detectable by instruments. Astronomers are not certain of the source of these sodium atoms.

ANTI-ARTHRITIS PILL. There’s no proof bee pollen works, but pumping up our intake of another supplement–vitamin D–may just slow the progression of osteoarthritis and put off the need for surgery, says Australian researchers.

BRUSHING OUR TEETH HELPS US RETAIN OUR MEMORY. Forget to floss, and we may soon have trouble recalling names, our grocery list, and the question we were asked five minutes ago.

(PG 13) The Caramajo tribe of northern Uganda tie a weight on the end of their penises to elongate them–sometimes to such a degree that the men literally have to knot them up–while the Mambas of New Hebrides wrap theirs in yards and yards of cloth, making them look up to 17 inches long.

WHAT IS GOD? God is the Arm that will hold us at our weakest, the Eye that will see us at our darkest; and the Heart that will love us at our worst!

When we remember God’s faithfulness His ability to bring good out of any situation, we find our fears calmed and our confidence renewed. Whatever our hopes today, let’s not be afraid. Let us just stand where we are and watch the Lord strengthen and take care of us.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)