I never thought I’d see the day that one presidential election in our country could be as historic and almost as life-changing as it could ever be than the one we’ll be having on May 10th.  With barely three weeks left until that fateful day when we Filipinos cast our ballot to determine who will lead our nation for the next six years, you can feel the tenfold increase of campaign sorties, election news in local media, and with the popularity of social networking sites, it too hasn’t been spared of election fever.  Take a walk around our immediate village area, and you’ll see ribbons and streamers of candidates being supported posted on most houses’ entrance gates or on their cars.  A couple of years back, I wasn’t all into politics, nor did I even care.  But with the events in recent years, it somehow pushed me to be a part of the political scene, even if I’m just a mere spectator.  Having no affiliation whatsoever with any political party, or even knowing–even by association–someone who is in politics, I guess it helped me understand a bit more what’s really at stake.  With that in mind, I’d like to share my perceptions (some more than others) of the presidential candidates running for the top post in the land, and ending with who I am supporting (even though most of you already know who it is) and the reasons why.  Some of my opinions may be biased in nature since I’m only limited to what I have seen, read, heard, and researched (you can’t completely rule out bias, believe me) and how I understand each candidates’ body language in how they handle themselves in this campaign season.  As always, comments are very much welcome and appreciated, so feel free to have your say.

 

1.  Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III – Having a former senator-turned-martyr/hero for a father and a former president for a mother, Noynoy sure has enormous shoes to fill.  But allegations of unstable psychiatric conditions aside, is he really ready to assume the reins of the presidency?  There’s an old saying that goes along the lines of, “one who doesn’t seek power for his own deserves to have it.”  That may be true on some arguments, but tell me honestly, if his mother endured the cancer for a couple more months up until the filing of candidacies before succumbing to the call of the reaper, would he even consider–let alone ponder–running for president?  I would’ve loved to borrow Marty and Doc Brown’s Delorean and travel back to convice Mrs. Aquino to hold on for a couple more months just to preserve the legacy she and her husband created.  Don’t get me wrong, I respect what Mr. and Mrs. Aquino have accomplished during their time.  That is why it should just remain with them.  On the flip side, what happened during the last Aquino presidency in which Mrs. Aquino herself beforehand was “forced by the will of the people” to run and win the election?  How many coup attempts were made?  Exactly.  With a carbon copy scenario now looming, are we ready to live with that?  While very few are questioning his sincerity to run (myself included), what’s glaring is what he has–or rather, hasn’t–accomplished during his time in Congress and in the Senate.  What, once he wins, he’ll surround himself with people with more experience than he has as advisers?  What good will that do him?  He may have the title of President, but he’ll sure won’t be acting like one.  Case in point:  almost all of his political ads mention his parents’ legacy.  Why can’t he stand on his own two feet and man up?  Because he has nothing to show for!  Amidst all this, what’s being forgotten is how majority of the people react.  It’s sad to note that while Mrs. Aquino was labeled “the icon of democracy” in the Philippines, most of us think that her son is worthy of continuing to carry that label as the next president.  Really?  Just because Noynoy carries the surname Aquino?  Maybe if we have a monarchial or oligarchial form of government, that would’nt be questioned.  Sad to say, much of the voting population rely on name recall and, in this case, what Noynoy’s parents have done.

 

2.  John Carlos “JC” Delos Reyes – A relative unknown in national politics, a councilor in Olongapo City.  Insert long pause here.  While I respect his guts and cajones the size of grapefruits in running for president, I believe he should focus on his immediate constituents first.  I’ve seen how he handled himself in debates early on the campaign season, and he’s close to looking a nervous wreck as I’ve ever seen.  He may have all the right answers under that suave looking hair of his, but the lack of experience under the bright national political lights hampered in getting his message across.  Even with the backing of some of the high ranking Catholic bishops in the country won’t create enough momentum to catapult him to reach even Mendiola, let alone Malacañan Palace.  Now, if the election is based on how hot your spouse is, then JC will be a far second with the kind of wife he has.  Noynoy would’ve easily won hands down with that Cristine Reyes lookalike (in my opinion) of a significant other.  But seriously, JC may have all the right intentions and principles in running for president, but let’s face it.  He’s way over his head.  He needs to try making a significant impact first, like his uncle did.  He’s still young and with the right attitude and experience, he’ll go a long way in the field of (dirty) politics.

 

3.  Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada – Now, I’ll try hard to find something good about this man.  Insert very long pause here.  Actor, former Mayor of San Juan, former Senator, former Vice-President, former Plunderent, i mean President.  I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again:  I never liked actors-turned-politicians.  It’s one of the worst forms of opportunism.  Just because you’re good at potraying different roles in movies doesn’t make you qualified to take on the highest executive position in the country.  I learned that the hard way when I voted for Joey Marquez when he ran and won the mayoralty race here in Parañaque City.  And look what he did.  Nothing.  He continued to moonlight in TV appearances as mayor and frequenting gentleman’s clubs at night.  The only exception I consider in this case is Herbert Bautista.  He absolutely made a 180-degree turn on showbiz after becoming a councilor for Quezon City and focused everything he had in learning how to genuinely serve the people.  That is why he is successful in what he does.  As for Erap, well, if the Erap jokes aren’t enough to potray his–how should I say this–lack of a muscle that is called a brain on top of his burly head, I don’t even know why people are still endeared to him.  Remember that this man was convicted–let me repeat and emphasize that word again, “convicted”–of plunder.  And he still has the poor excuse of a face to run for the position he was ousted for?  I thought JC Delos Reyes had the biggest cajones, but I may be wrong.  Well, with Erap having numerous affairs with women, maybe he does hold an edge with JC in that area.  Given that he did rid most of the insurgency in Mindanao, but having the
tough guy image he has made in his movies, that would come natural.  If you only know one way how to fight bad guys, he most definitely did that with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.  As an actor, Erap is all about image and he has invested in that for years.  Sadly, that what the masses look at.  Someone who they will take by just looking at his face.

 

4.  Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal – The only woman among the field of presidential candidates, current Senator, belongs to a wealthy clan that owns a big part of Alabang and also belongs to a family of a former Philippine president.  For some reason, I can’t understand why she put her hat in the rat race.  And for someone who utilized a well-known actress to endorse-slash-campaign for her in her second bid at the Senate, it’s quite a turnaround that she didn’t do so this time.  Although she did quite make a noise while in the Senate (for the life of me, I can’t recall one except the C5 controversy, all I know is that she was upset about some things), I’m skeptical about her intentions to make voters go with her.  Yet, even if she does have the resources (obviously) to launch a nationwide campaign, many people are wondering what has she done to make her deserving to sit on the president’s chair.  But, we live in a democracy (a badly needs repair kind of democracy), and one of the COMELEC’s guidelines in declaring a valid presidential candidate is an oversized bank account, so she’s free to do what she wants.  Other than that, no pauses are needed.  Just to move on with the next.

 

5.  Nicanor Jesus “Nick” Perlas III – Environmentalist, author, activist, teacher, farmer, executive, former minor government official.  I admit, I was impressed with what he had to show for in the debates early in the campaign period.  He has the experience, the abilities, the attitude, but sadly, the presidency is one position I don’t see him having.  Like JC, i applaud his guts in gunning for the highest seat in the land, but not having held any local position doesn’t give him a “solid base” of supporters.  If he ran for senator, he would have my vote.  He would be a fresh face in the Senate and with his experience, would help enact legislation that would benefit the agricultural and environmental sectors of the country.  I would definitely choose him over other qualified and veteran senatorial candidates like Ralph Recto, Juan Ponce Enrile, Frank Drilon (all three of whom I still wouldn’t vote for), or other newbies such as Satur Ocampo or Liza Masa.  With his experience and abilities, he has the right tools.  But unfortunately, also like JC, he lacks experience in the national scene.

 

6.  Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. – Lawyer, former congressman, former Defense Secretary, belongs to the Cojuanco clan which has ties to the Aquino family.  Honestly, for me, he is a good second choice.  While the Liberal and Nacionalista Parties throw everything but the kitchen sink at one another, his political party, Lakas-Kampi, is like being eaten away by termites.  Yet despite all that, he’s still focused and vows to stay the course until the very end.  He also refused to enter the deathmatch arena between the LP and NP.  As one friend on Facebook recently posted, “go ahead, pull each other down.  I’m not voting for either anyway.”  Though doing loyalty checks among party members is but normal, it shows that despite rats jumping off a sinking ship, it is still his ship and with faith in the captain, their destination can be reached.  Qualifications?  Yes, he has them.  But there are three things that made me not choose him.  First, his affiliation with GMA.  Though he tries to avoid being seen with GMA at all costs by the media and everyone else, it’s like guilt by association.  He had a good thing going with his former political party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, then he suddenly jumps ship to the ruling party?  No wonder he’s currently taking a dose of his own medicine.  Second, his response to the Ondoy and Pepeng tragedies.  While no one could’ve expected or prepared for the worst way possible with the hitting of those two typhoons last year, his reaction towards what’s happening speak for itself.  His lack of coordination with different agencies and even with the National Disaster Coordinating Council show that, as that council’s chairman and Secretary of National Defense, he is unable to take control of the relief efforts.  If he has shown inability to do that, how can he do so when he takes over the presidency?  And third, his choice of Edu Manzano as his running mate.  I mean, WTF?  I thought Gibo has skill and brains but why pick Edu?  Can’t he choose someone who is more qualified than a glorified game show host?  I must admit, initially, I would’ve picked Gibo, but the three things I mentioned were a game-changer.

 

7.  Bro. Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva – Leader of the religious group Jesus Is Lord, first ran for president in 2004.  I can’t help but think that if he wins, it would be like the Spanish days wherein the Church “rules” over the government.  I am a big advocate of separation of Church and State, so voting for Bro. Eddie would be going against my beliefs.  I literally laughed out loud when I heard him say during a debate that if elected, the very first thing he would do is declare national day(s) of prayer.  What?  Why?  Because he hasn’t have a clue what he has gotten himself into!  Though I am also a practicing Catholic (sometimes), I believe we cannot rely on religious nutcases to run the country.  If crisis erupts, what will he do?  Tell the nation to just pray and hold on to dear life?  He may have the faith to run for the presidency, but he doesn’t have the structure, spine, or guts to do what an objective man would do.

 

8.  Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. – Business tycoon and a current senator.  If I don’t like actors-turned-politicians, I don’t trust businessmen-turned-politicians for the simple reason that a businessman will always be a businessman.  And that revolves around one thing:  profit maximization.  Early 2009, we’ve already seen his so-called “advocacy ads” on TV.  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that they are the seeds for what will eventually become a horde–no, a gargantuan flood–of political ads, all being shoved down our throats through catchy jingles, pity-ridden street kids, and sheer spending.  He should know, being a businessman for years, investing in advertising is the best way to win votes over to his camp, just like selling shampoo to a bald person.  With this kind of “overspending” (i still feel that word doesn’t do justice to what he’s done), most thinking men would stop and wonder, “how would he get it all back?”  I’m going out on a limb in saying that politics in the Philippines is 90-95%
self-serving.  And Manny has done that for years as mayor, congressman, and senator.  And the presidency is his ultimate goal in establishing himself as the country’s CEO.  While his subordinates work their asses off, he’s reaping all the profit.  Never mind what he did for the OFWs and other people in need.  Again, it’s his “investment plan.”  Sure, he’ll provide opportunities for everyone.  All of which are to work for him.  Maybe not directly, but the end profit stops with him.

 

9.  Richard “Dick” Gordon – Former Olongapo City Mayor, former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman, former Secretary of Department of Tourism, current Philippine National Red Cross Chairman, current Senator.  What is the one thing he did in all of the positions he held?  He made them better.  Transformed Olongapo City from being labeled a “sin city” to a progressive city.  Transformed Subic Bay from a heap of unused military base equipment to a thriving business hub that attracted foreign multinational corporations.  Transformed the tourism industry in the Philippines using his “WOW Philippines” advocacy to have our Boracay and Palawan beaches being mentioned as one of the top vacation spots in the world.  Transformed the Philippine National Red Cross from a fledging organization always in need of donations, to a first-responding organization in times of calamities and tragedies.  It is but fitting that his tandem with former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando is called “Transformers.”  And how did he do it?  Through his no-nonsense leadership style.  Now that is what is lacking with the other presidentiable candidates.  The right attitude to get things done.  Unfortunately, most Filipinos frown on that type of leadership.  But that is what’s needed to revive the state of our country.  The same leadership style Bayani Fernando enforced in Marikina while he was mayor.  Look at what happened.  Discipline is present, which is automatically followed by orderliness, cleanliness, and ultimately, progress.  Our country doesn’t just need a change in leadership.  Moreover, it needs a change in the attitude of leadership.  We have to have that sense of urgency, that sense of transparency, and most importantly, discipline.  Most of us dream of working overseas to earn more than enough for our families.  And yet the type of leadership in those countries is almost similar to one another.  Enforcement and discipline which our leadership, our government lacks badly.  But what Gordon and Bayani are offering is the chance for our country to be competitive with the rest of our Asian neighbors.  And that starts within.  Not through legacies carved out of useless sacrifices, not through self-serving political carousels, not through mind-conditioning survey results, but through sheer self-discipline and proven results.  That is why I support them.  And slowly, more and more people are realizing that too.  Volunteerism, as what Dick proved how things worked so well with Subic and Olongapo, is also being done with their campaigns.  This is real, honest-to-goodness belief in what we can achieve without millions worth in money and resources.  This shows real teamwork, real changes, real results.

 

It is in Gordon-Bayani’s platform that I realized that there is still hope to our ever-failing trust in our leadership, our government.  As another friend who posted on Facebook mentioned, “voting for the lesser evil among the candidates is still choosing evil.”  We don’t have a lesser evil.  We have a clear choice.  What have the other candidates done?  Were they real, lasting, significant changes?  Ask yourself, who would you give your vote to, someone who is popular, is the talk of the town but not because of his accomplishments, but because of his name, wealth, or movie-star good looks yet lacks what’s really needed for this country to get out of the hellhole we’ve been in?  Or someone who is not using popularity as a means to convey others to join in the bandwagon, but displays achievements and accomplishments made proudly as a badge or scars of war and has the real, proven, and hopeful type of change we long for?  The next six years of our lives are at stake.  Don’t waste it by not voting or voting for someone just because he or she is the favorite of the survey results, or has a catchy jingle.  For you heads of families, this is for your children’s future.

 

Gordon-Bayani.  Tunay at napatunayang pagbabago.  Sigurado.  (Gordon-Bayani.  Real and proven change.  For sure.)