Already, they are forcing their way into our consciousness. Invading all forms of mass media. Imposing their presence anywhere we care to look or listen. They are 2010's presidentiables. Or so they would like to believe. Or so they would have us believe.
Ideally, a presidentiable should be someone who has the ability required of a President as opposed to someone who has the ability to run for President by virtue of economic power, assumed popularity, unparalleled ambition or just plain greed. Come to think of it, it is actually rare to have somebody among those seeking the presidency who is really capable of doing the job.
Elections, Philippine style, are more like circuses, taken seriously only by those in the running who sing and dance to an electorate that appears to be in need of entertainment rather than leadership. A candidate's qualifications are the least important criterion in a contest where the country's fate hangs in the balance. Anyone can make a go for Malacanang. Crooks. Movie stars. Shameless turncoats. Human rights violators. Anyone.
Among the current crop of circus players, is there anybody worthy of being called a presidentiable and President later on? Villar? Lacson? BF? Chiz? Loren? Noli? Erap? (Oh please, not again!) Mar Roxas?
Now, there's someone I can believe in. Mar stands out from the lot precisely because he has chosen not to join the ranks of the clowns. He is no trapo — does not talk, act nor think like one. His person inspires trust and his name is, thank goodness, corruption scandal-free. He is both intelligent and well-educated. And unlike others who possess the same, he uses these in the conduct of his public duties. Without pretending to look or speak like he's masa given his elitist background, he has actually done a lot to promote the interest of the much-used and -abused masses. Mar is qualified, most definitely. Perhaps more than qualified for an office that has lost its dignity and promise.
I'm wary of the Korina factor though. That is, supposing the Senator marries her of course. You see, to vote for one candidate is to vote for his/her spouse. Think Ferdie and Meldy. Think GMA and FG. Conjugal dictatorship. Conjugal thievery. Conjugal whatever.
Korina notwithstanding, I will go for Mar (with the silent hope that he dumps her in due time!). Yes, Mar Roxas. Over Villar. Over Loren. Over BF. Over anyone scrambling to be the next leader of this hopeless country.
The road to 2010 is in place. And in the mad race for the highest — not to mention most lucrative — position in the land, the presidentiables are bound to resort to crazy schemes and costly antics to win votes. The stakes are high as always.
But first they must make sure that elections are indeed going to happen....
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5 comments:
"Without pretending to look or speak like he's masa given his elitist background, he has actually done a lot to promote the interest of the much-abused masses.
eh ano yung pa-effect niyang mr. palengke? hindi ba pretending yun?
@john jeremy -
Not because you don't understand it, doesn't mean you should resent it.
His "Mr. Palengke" moniker finds its origin from his advocacy for the development of the "palengke" as the basic unit of the economy and the roots of progress. I don't know about you, but it makes sense to me.
To Stephen V...
Right Palengkenomics. Brilliant idea that has yet to be translated for the benefit of the voting public.
In his last campaign for the Senate, the TV ads with Mar Roxas in the palengke were very strong in terms of imagery. I feel though that the idea (which was a little too highfalutin for everyone) behind the image may not have been understood by everyone.
That is why there are people who think that he is "pretending" to be Mr. Palengke.
You said and I will quote you "Mar stands out from the lot precisely because he has chosen not to join the ranks of the clowns. He is no trapo — does not talk, act nor think like one."
I agree on this one. You would sense that Mar isn't faking anything when he helps and I like the fact that he needs no media to cover whatever he does for this country.
However, you likewise added this that i think runs counter on your proposition that Mar is not trapo. "I will go for Mar (with the silent hope that he dumps her in due time!)."
If Mar will do that then he is the epitome of TRAPO!!!
because it will look like he just used Korina to win the seat of presidency... that's worst!
To anonymous...
I meant "dump" not for political reasons but for more obvious reasons like falling out of love... Peace!
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