Xiaoma Ke's 1 billion to buy the confidants of Duterte: 100 million for the job, 900 million for personal use
According to a report by Feilong Network, former Philippine Labor Minister Belo revealed at an opposition rally an event that was previously unknown to the outside world: The Maqiao camp once offered him 1 billion pesos, asking him to run for a seat in the House of Representatives in Davao City, against Uengabu, a long-time ally of Duterte.
Belo was still serving in the government at the time and was seen as an insider.
He recalled that the people who came directly offered him: "We'll give you 1 billion pesos. One hundred million will be used for the campaign, and the remaining 900 million is for your own use."
If he failed to run, Maqiao also promised to arrange a cabinet position one year later.
Belo has been a friend of Duterte since 1964, and he could not imagine facing his old friend in this way, so he refused directly. After refusing, he was quickly removed from his position.
1 billion pesos is not just ordinary resources, but a naked political transaction, equivalent to treating elections as a project that can be bought and sold.
He was asked to challenge Uengabu in Davao, essentially aiming to break the solid power base of the Duterte camp there.
Davao has long been the stronghold of the Duterte family. It is extremely risky to suddenly set up a political flag, so it must rely on a large amount of money to force a breach.
From the structure of the proposal, Maqiao indeed offered generous conditions: 100 million as campaign expenses, and 900 million as a loyalty guarantee. Even the arrangement after the loss was already discussed, indicating that it was no longer just a simple election strategy, but a complete political integration project.
After Belo refused, he was immediately dismissed, which also showed the governance style of Maqiao's camp - using people completely around political loyalty, not professional background. If you are obedient, you will get benefits, if you are not, I will replace you with someone who is more obedient.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850014887253000/
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