Well, everyone else is doing it. We’ve seen the benefits.
Instant “pogi’ points. Popularity surge. Emotional pandering. Bolting out of political parties are the “in” thing these days. And anyone who wants to have a piece of this rave must now abandon the conventional for the radical.
The saints are marching
It now appears to be a race for the “holiest of holies”.
Newly-wed Senator Mar Roxas was inducted to the “Statesman” hall of fame by giving way to Senator Noynoy Aquino.
Noynoy Aquino has become “morality in the flesh” — the epitome of righteousness by “going on a retreat” and well, quite simply, just by being a son of martyred parents.
There are also the “lesser saints” Mayor Jejomar Binay and Ed Panlilio, both withdrawing presidential bids to give way to Noynoy. Kiko Pangilinan — initially intent on running for Vice President has also given up on his dream in favor of Mar.
Then there’s DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno — expected to run in tandem with administration party LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD — who also announced his withdrawal from the race a few weeks before the filing of COCs begin.
A Prophetic Villar
Senator Manny Villar was right all along when he said (in a casual group interview) that it’s way to early to tell who his opponents would be. He said many would either slide to a lower position, settle for reelection or withdraw from the race altogether.
I can understand his complacency. It is never a good idea to underestimate a man like Villar. But I’m sure even someone as “visionary” as he found the recent turn of events rather unexpected. After all, just a few surveys ago, he once ruled ’em all. All of a sudden, that dream seemed more elusive than he prepared for.
Gibo should bolt out
I’ve been digging through soon-to-be-former Department of National Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council Chief Gilbert Teodoro’s website in an attempt to understand who he is and what he stands for and to find out exactly what makes him different from the rest of the presidentiables out there.
If I were to vote on the merits of appearance, he would have easily ran away with my vote. But then the presidency is no “Mr. Universe” contest. Oops.
But seriously, regardless of how much I detest this administration and the ruling president of the land — under which Gibo will woefully run (even Gloria herself is thinking of relinquishing her post as party head for Gibo’s sake) — the fact remains that Gibo is hard to ignore.
He is hard to ignore because he is, as it stands, a would-be-legitimate candidate. The Department of National Defense is a no easy job. Having been the president’s alter-ego, Gibo’s experience on that front, is nothing short of critical and “presidential”. And if we are to give it considerable weight (as is logical), all of Noynoy Aquino’s experience in the halls of Congress and the Senate put together pales in comparison to Gibo’s.
People actually believe that Senator Chiz Escudero, another wannabe president come 2010, is an eloquent speaker. Well, I beg to disagree. Although I’m no Gibo fan myself (believe that, it’s true), I would go for Gibo in terms of “sensibility” and “substance”. I think Gibo speaks well and more often than not, actually knows what he is talking about.
The problem is the party — at least, according to Chiz
Gibo’s viability for the presidency is without question. The motive behind it and the party behind it, however is what bothers most people.
Will Gibo shield Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and guarantee her free-pass from all her past transgressions?
Will Gibo’s sole concern and preoccupation be to protect the interests of the family business?
Will he do a Marcos? or a Gloria?
All that remains to be seen — that is, if he wins at all. But with all the bad press GMA is bringing to the merger and consequently to their anointed Gibo, clearly, something’s (or someone’s) gotta give.
Does GMA desperately want Gibo to take her place in 2010? Then she must do something.
Does Gibo want the presidency as desperately as he wants peace in Mindanao? Then he must do something.
If either of them wants to achieve something that’s never been achieved before, then they must do something that’s never been done before.
I think Gibo should bolt out. But don’t delude yourself — this is not a suggestion.
I won’t delude myself either. Gibo bolting LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD is the closest thing to a miracle.
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