Sen. Mar Roxas' decision to give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino for the Liberal Party presidential nomination may be called the politics of sentimentalism. But it is tragic for the country because what we need is a leader with the practical sense and courage to tackle the serious problems of our country, especially with the mess made by the Arroyo administration during the past 10 years.
I am sorry to say this, but Noynoy—despite being the son of a courageous father (Ninoy) and a saintly mother (Cory)—has the image of a wimp. He is not distinguished by any solid achievement, or inspiring pronouncements, or outstanding ideas, or by any notable opposition to the Arroyo regime for its human rights abuses, incompetence and corruption.
Noynoy does not have an image of being a champion of the common man. He is a scion of the oligarchy, and he has not demonstrated any concern for the peasants, workers, overseas Filipino workers, unemployed, or for rural or slum inhabitants. He became a presidential candidate only after the death of his mother, the revered former President Corazon Aquino, who deserved the public accolade accorded her during her wake and funeral.
Noynoy is a symbol of the past. But who needs a symbol for president? What we need is a real man who can face up to the challenges of the future, who can protect our people against its enemies, external and internal.
—VICTORIA SAN JUAN
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