Smear campaigns have existed ever since the notion of elections first came into existence. What Leni lacked was charisma that can move mountains. Sadly, it's not a skill one can learn, but an innate talent one is born with. Look at Duterte. They throw dirt at the geriatric, even summoned him on their court to hopefully humiliate him, but lo and behold, the man instead stole the spotlight and made fool of the lot of them. They even have to kick him out just stop him from dealing more damage. Talk about a joke of a council.