Philippine politics is a marketing battle

November 29, 2007 was a major product re-launching event for the Philippines' political opposition. After (several times of) failing to win hearts and ears to launch another people uprising, a desperate move was staged extemporaneously -- or so they say.

The product offering was Antonio Trillanes (a former soldier and dysfunctional senator). He was somewhat a hit during the last senatorial elections. However, just like any hype, he was bound to lose appeal.

It was a pity for Trillanes's group to call upon people on the streets to join them in ousting an administration. Reminds me of Philippine radio and TV stations' desperate campaigns to gain viewership. There are always two or more "number ones" or both stations lead. And in the case of politics, both sides claim to be the good side.

With whom will people empathize? That's where advertising and marketing play their roles. And in Trillanes's case, I thought he just went beyond what you can call ethical or responsible advertising or marketing. I'm not buying it.