Editorial – Serendipity

The  still  placid political waters of the country were suddenly stirred with the unexpected announcement last week of Sen. Mar Roxas abandoning his presidential aspirations in favor of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III, only son of the late former President Corazon C. Aquino and martyred former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
While Roxas’ gesture earned him unprecedented praise no other man of his stature has ever received in this country,  some observers  opined that he should have  given himself more time for discernment  instead of  prematurely dropping out of the race.
Whether Roxas’ move was timely or premature is of no moment now. What’s more  significant is the impact of his announcement – that of  causing the suddenly snowballing of the Noynoy for President movement, earlier said only in whispers as a result of the resurgent popularity of his iconic mother, the late President Cory Aquino, who died of cancer last month.
Even with Mar’s giving way, Noynoy has not firmed up a decision to run for President, choosing to first conduct marathon consultations with supporters identified with his late mother and hold prayers for discernment and divine guidance. But the groundswell of support gathering behind him and related developments indicate that his candidacy is almost a done deal. Aside from Mar’s gesture, Pampanga Gov. Eduardo “Among” Panlilio has also given up his published plan to run for president, declaring support for Noynoy instead. Partymate Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also declared he would no longer aspire for vice president, in support of Mar Roxas. Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca was reportedly thinking of doing the same. Even Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has reportedly endorsed the candidacy of Noynoy.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who dropped out of the presidential race ahead of everybody, has egged his former boss, ousted President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, to forget about his desire to go back to Malacanang, and back Noynoy instead.    
The Fililpino people will be watching the moves of other presidentiables during the next few weeks. These include Vice President Noli de Castro, senators Manuel Villar, Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda and Richard Gordon, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Chairman Bayani Fernando, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Jesus is Lord evangelist Eddie Villanueva, El Shaddai founder Mike Velarde and other aspirants. Also being watched are  the moves of Fidel V. Ramos, whose rise to the presidency in the early 90’s, was largely  due to the support of the late President Cory, the business community of the country led by the Ayalas, Manny Pangilinan, Ramon del Rosario, the Lopezes and other powerful men in the private sector.
A big chunk of the so-called civil society is reportedly already behind the Noynoy for President movement.
And so, there is a strong possibility of history repeating itself, of serendipitous circumstances rather than outstanding qualifications making Noynoy the next President of the Philippines. And the people, pissed off by too much thieving and immorality among their traditional leaders, would not mind.