A survey says Noynoy and his Liberal Party (LP) is leading the presidential race, his infomercial conveys unity and cooperation from rival groups. But because he is an Aquino, the son of the late Ninoy and Cory who are both adored by the public, I will be easily persuaded to support his candidacy.
In one blogger forum with a senator and would be presidentiable, I asked him why he will be supporting Noynoy if he will not pursue his own presidential bid? His candid reply was "he is a decent person". But decency does not make one a good president, I said. The senator replied, "I agree, but give me an alternative."
I have high regards for the Aquinos. Ninoy taught us how to stand and die for our principle and Tita Cory fought for and kept democracy, but these do not guarantee Noynoy will be like his folks. Allow me to share my reservations:
- Milestone - I do not know any accomplishment yet that can be credited to him, except that he is a good uncle and foster dad to Joshua, Kris's son.
- Politics of vengeance - after announcing his presidential bid, he vowed to run after the Marcos wealth. I believe it's not the job of the President to personally run after anybody but to let the wheel of justice take its course, no direct Presidential intervention for or against anybody.
- Snap Election Formula - Noynoy and his party is following the same formula adopted by her mother's political strategist more than two decades ago. Then, the death of Ninoy resulted to public sympathy for Cory, thus, political strategists used this as rallying point against Marcos. Now, the death of Cory and her popularity is being used (by the same political strategist?) to bring Noynoy to Malacanang. In both situations, the sitting President is accused of corruption and abuse and the tide is not on the side of the administration. Then, Doy Laurel was asked to slide down to VP, now, it's Mar's turn. Then, a coalition of political groups with different political affiliations were formed, same strategy is being employed today. But history tells us that strange bedfellows cannot keep the boat steady. Soon after Cory assumed power, Doy Laurel was dropped, and Juan Ponce Enrile was fired from his post. The 6 years of Cory Aquino's presidency was full of turmoil, from the series of coup's from the right and welgang bayan from the left. During her term, the "sparrow unit" and Alex Boncayao Brigade also flourished. I hope history will not repeat itself if the LP strategy will succeed.
- Separation of Church and State - under Cory's watch, the religious groups had a strong influence on political affairs.
- No Time For OJT - We need a president who is his own man and cannot be manipulated by the people around him.
I hope the ghosts of the Arroyo administration will not prompt us to overreact, and favor perceived moral ascendancy and ignore other equally important criteria.
Likewise, I hope the LP or Noynoy himself will make an effort to address these, to convince doubting Thomases like me.
But do we really have no other choice? Will it be better and more principled to vote for none of the presidentiables at all?
Photo: "Noynoy Aquino" by glenda liza reginaldo, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.
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