JE C.C.
Here is a tip if you’re trying to distance yourself from toxic political apologists on social media: never mention these terms, or similar words, in the comment section.
That, or never visit at all, posts by legit news pages whose headlines or captions contain these words. But if not that’s the case, then maybe you can start memorizing them, so the next time you head to the comment section, you know, which words to use to hit the sore spots. Kidding aside, social media has practically become a rent-free accommodation for trolls, fanatics, and political apologists, who seemingly has all day, to spot dissenters and attack them with ad hominem retorts. Did they just know it was them and their idols being referred to?
What is it in these words that seemingly trigger their patellar reflex and promptly assume either defensive or attack mode?
“Magnanakaw”
Whenever somebody reminds voters to never vote for thieves, a particular group of people who support an infamous family known for plundering the public coffers, automatically show up in the comment section. Their common retort includes denial of such accusation. But then again, was the ‘magnanakaw’ (plunderer) even named? Did they simply know it was their idol being referred to?
“Tax evader”
Apologists are very active these days, given that the tax evasion case of a certain presidential aspirant has been dominating headlines. Interestingly, most of these very same people who come to the defense of this tax evader, are also the ones who agreed to shut down ABS-CBN because of its tax delinquency, even though BIR itself, disproved no such violation has ever been incurred by the network.
“Sinungaling”
All politicians lie, at least according to Sara Duterte who once said that honesty is not a requirement to enter the government. If that is true, then this group of fanatics has no clear reason to get offended, especially when their idol is not named. But keep tabs on social media posts that say “Huwag bumoto ng sinungaling (don’t vote for liars)” and this group and their loud members are surely littering the comment section. And don’t even dare to be more specific, like “say no to fake academic credentials” because that’s like summoning the entire army of hell.
“Corruption”
Politicians these days are proving the saying “birds of the same feather, flock together” to be even truer than ever. Does it boggle you that certain politicians convicted of plunder and tax evasion belong to the same coalition? Examine the groups backing this group, and there is a chance that you lose your head afterward. Apologists, as expected of them, seemingly know they need to assume an attack mode when ‘corruption’ is being hurled at their bets. But don’t be surprised to receive a glaring objection, even though you never really named anyone in your allegation.
“Debate”
It’s not surprising that ‘debate’ is a trending topic during the election campaign season, as voters look forward to seeing politicians gunning for top government positions to attend debates. While most news items about political debates, naturally name debate absentees, internet trolls seem to just know their service is needed when a news item or a social media post alludes to the one missing. Frankly, though, you can’t blame them, as it is easy to guess who is being referred to. There has been only one presidential candidate who can take home the ‘perennial absentee’ award, all by himself.
Did you think we missed another word, term, or phrase? Head to the comment section to share your thoughts.
