The Balimbing Politician: No Honesty, No Loyalty, Only Self-Interest

By A a Castor

In a political arena driven by patronage and pragmatism, The Balimbing Politician: No Honesty, No Loyalty, Only Self-Interest unveils the unspoken tactics that keep traditional "trapo" figures atop Philippine power structures. Drawing on real-world case studies and Machiavellian theory, this book guides you through every maneuver-from orchestrating strategic defections to deploying symbolic pageantry-to consolidate influence without ever owning up to principles.

Discover how to:

Design Patronage Machines that bind constituents with appointments, contracts, and perksMaster Media Narratives through controlled leaks, rapid-response teams, and social-media micro-targetingExploit Crises by turning typhoons, scandals, and economic shocks into political capitalBalance Public Posturing with Private Deals to court foreign investment under a banner of nationalism

Each chapter offers step-by-step frameworks-mapping factional terrain, negotiating alliance terms, institutionalizing loyalty, and crafting a lasting legacy. You'll learn to wield legal and bureaucratic levers to sideline critics, harness utang na loob for enduring support, and manage succession to protect your reign beyond a single term.

Whether you're a grassroots organizer, an aspiring local official, or simply curious about the mechanics of power, The Balimbing Politician equips you with the strategies to navigate-and master-the complex currents of Philippine politics. This is your inside look at how self-interest shapes leadership, and how you can apply these lessons to secure influence, forge alliances, and leave an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F4189C13
• ISBN13: 9798230312208
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: A.A. Castor
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"