When senatorial candidates suspended lawyer Larry Gadon, labor lawyer Luke Espiritu, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque had a heated exchange at the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) Senatorial Debates last March 2, it was entertainingly biting. Kick that up a notch, throw in some raw, stinging lines, and you’ll get the Espiritu versus Gadon-Roque FlipTop battle Dos-Por-Dos: Halalan 2022 Edition at the Tiu Theater in Makati City. Sponsored by SMNI and the FlipTop Battle League, the rap follow-up to the senatorial candidates’ feisty discussion, was even more confusing, intense, and lively.
Even though it probably wasn’t enough to impress the likes of FlipTop giants Abra or Anygma, the fierce contest broke rap ground in the political arena. While wildly entertaining, the quality of the rounds is marred by a gulf in skill level and its disappointing ending, hindering it from becoming the evenly matched war of words that top-tier FlipTop battles usually are. Substance, swag, to an unroastable political track record, the battle seemed more like a verbal beatdown for duo Gadon and Roque against the lone Espiritu.
A glaring gap
Host Toni Gonzaga first introduced each of the candidates who aim to showcase their wit—or lack thereof—in rap and rhythm. With the moniker “Boy Sapaw”, Gadon showcased platforms on lowering electricity prices and improving state-owned energy sources with an initial grace. However, the rest of his lines are spun as a call for “unity” in the tradition of his running party. While amusing at first, the platitudes quickly wear out as his verses become repetitive and doubtful, leaving audiences to question the kind of unity he extols in his lines.
Meanwhile, the “Dynamic” Roque—so-called for his dance moves and his shifty stance on various sociopolitical issues—doesn’t add much to the conversation. While he propped up his background as a former law professor and vowed to focus on legislation like a “zero-hunger” law through an acceptable rap, his small dances—meant to substitute sturdier platforms and tighter verses—only passed off as a desperate but futile attempt to appeal.
On the other hand, “Untouchable” Espiritu brought swagger and decent bars. Coming to the round without needing a boy backup, he spat fire with his platforms on minimum wage, wealth tax, and labor regulations with innovatively written lines and an unbreaking, rhythmic flow.
On FlipTop, sapaws, and regrets
The real meat of FlipTop, however, is found in the freestyle, razor-sharp quips exchanged between the rappers. But in this round, some insults were better than most.
Espiritu’s amusingly savage shots on the Supreme Court’s threat of Gadon’s disbarment is one such line of insults that took precedence. “Uy, abogado, nahiya naman ang Supreme Court sa’yo—kapag natatalo, pagmumura lang ba alam mo?” Espiritu cleverly cracked, referring to Gadon’s verbal attacks against a journalist critical of Bongbong Marcos’ tax conviction.
(Hey, lawyer, the Supreme Court’s embarrassed of you—when you’re losing, is swearing all you can do?)
But truly electrifying the second round was Espiritu’s mention of the human rights violations perpetrated during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. While he was spitting facts, the overwhelmed Gadon poorly butted in with, “FlipTop ang usapan, bakit mga Marcoses iyong nasa isipan? Apektado ka pa rin sa nangyari noon, uso rin naman mag move on ngayon.” The repetitive “move on” statements and trivial clapbacks showcased how Gadon is worthy of being a suspended lawyer.
(We’re gathered here for FlipTop but why are the Marcoses on your head? You’re so affected when you can just move on instead.)
Espiritu did not falter, however, and revealed his FlipTop genius with the line, “‘Pag binuksan mo ang usapan, ‘wag mo akong pagbawalan.” It seemed the real challenge for Espiritu was to sensibly undermine his nonsensical opponents. He strikingly charged Gadon and Roque with figures and evidence regarding the sinister past of Martial Law. The spontaneity of Espiritu’s savage yet rational comebacks propelled the rap battle to a satisfying climax and made him a rapper worthy of his “Untouchable” title.
(When you open the discussion, don’t bar my participation.)
After Espiritu blew his “‘Wag kang bastos” remark, it hinted at how much of a FlipTop amateur Gadon really is. He often posed a cocky and chatty facade when dissing his opponent. However, upon probing, Gadon’s line delivery lacked substance—similar to his questionable stances on several political issues. This is most evident when he ended his verses by submitting the “respect my opinion” and uncalled-for profanities cards—typical of the petty suspended lawyer.
(Don’t be rude.)
After Gadon recovered from a brutal knockout, boy backup Roque attempted to redeem his ally. If you think the former already set the bar awfully low, the latter subverted their team even more with his dubious rebuttals. “According to the For You Page, Martial Law was a golden age,” Roque proudly stated, referencing his only source of information and of dance tutorials: TikTok.
While his presentation of rebuttals and speed were surprisingly commendable due to his experiences as a lawyer, the soundness and validity of his arguments overshadowed his technicalities. In the end, the only thing exciting in Roque’s presentation was his awkward dance steps that lacked vigor and excitement.
Shady unity
Overall, the intense Dos-Por-Dos showcased that in FlipTop, the big names of Gadon and Roque are barren. Fortunately, Espiritu dazzled and saved the FlipTop stage with his wit and savage comebacks while keeping his principles intact.
However, despite the fiery banters, there was no chosen winner because the broken concept of so-called “unity” happened. The riveting battle was clouded by the disappointing but at the same time not surprising conclusion. Consequently, the Dos-Por-Dos is a testament that conversations, no matter what form they may take, magnify a politician’s credibility and beliefs—hence, it is essential to show up to such events.