Guns, Goons, and Gold
Most locals and foreign nationals in the Philippines understand the term "Guns, Goons, and Gold". In short, it commonly refers to the traditional methods of how some political dynasties win elections, in part through violence, to maintain a hold on their seats of power year after year.
Although somewhat less prevalent during the last few election periods, incidents of Election Related Violence particularly in the southern region of Mindanao remain common practice.
"Election times in the Philippines are highly charged periods with Election Related Violence perpetrated by a broad spectrum of opposing elements. The primary threat elements are the political dynasties and family clans whom control much of the land and power through maintaining political positions. Clan wars during election periods and throughout the year are supported by private armies armed with both illegal and legal government firearms."
It was December of 2013 when I received the call from a reporter. It turns out he was doing research for a story on a former personal client who had been arrested; one who I had quit working with back in late 2011.
It was the first time I used the term "Guns, Goons, and Gold" unrelated to Philippine politics, but it was certainly applicable to the man I had worked for. Although misquoted in the reporter's media story for saying "guns, gold, drugs", he was certainly not far off the mark as it turns out.
After departing the Philippines in June of 2015, the next several months were spent engrossed in a legal battle with the US Government. While I felt the allegations were not accurate, this became apparent when the process concluded with a rare US Federal Rule 29 Judgement of Acquittal.
Although it was an amazing education and experience to witness the complexities of a United States legal process first hand, it was sure good to get back on track again with the simpler things in life.