by Edcer Escudero
A phenomenon is a-brewing in Philippine politics.
Corynians in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the country are going gaga over Noynoy (Sen. Benigno Aguino III). They want him to run for President in 2010.
The clamor for Noynoy to capture Malacañang Palace is getting louder by the day. Already, ATOM (August Twenty-One Movement founded by Butz Aquino in 1983) formally launched last August 21 the Noynoy for President Movement.
And last week, Raul Roco’s anemic political party, Aksyon Demokratiko, offered to make Noynoy its standard bearer. Toward this end, it is willing to merge with (or be submerged to) the fractured Liberal Party (Drilon Wing).
Apparently, this clamor is a pronounced spill-over of the outpouring of sympathy for former President Cory that swooped down like a tsunami on Manila during the hours-long funeral march.
Cory’s funeral brought back memories of Ninoy’s own funeral in 1983. The massive expression of grief then and now were virtually the same, which prompted people to say that Cory’s Yellow Army has resurrected and re-affirmed the so-called Cory Magic. Now, Cory fanatics want to touch Noynoy with the magic wand and point it in the direction of Malacañang Palace.
Should Noynoy seek the presidency?
If he runs on the prodding of the Yellow People and win because of the Cory Magic, he is bound to be a puppet president like his mother.
It may be recalled that Cory was a reluctant candidate in 1986, but succumbed to pressure exerted by one million signatures urging her to oppose Marcos.
Forced by circumstances beyond her control, Cory became a puppet president. Her inner circle of advisers ran the country for her.
Cory’s presidency was inconsequential. Under her leadership, the country’s economy didn’t move forward. There was no lasting development in the socio-economic and political fields. The dreams of EDSA 1 remained dreams after Cory stepped down.
Is Noynoy ready? Will he prove equal to the huge challenge? His record as a legislator for the last decade (as congressman and now senator is forgettable. He is listless.
If Noynoy runs, it should be because he has a vision for the country, and has the solutions to some, if not all, of the nation’s major ills.
Noynoy was frank enough to admit on several occasions that he feels he’s not yet ripe for bigger responsibilities. Let’s respect his apprehension and allow him to ripen. (He should start by getting married).
Meanwhile, here’s an unsolicited advice: Run, Noynoy, run to your hometown. Manny is on his way, and so are Noli and Loren and Chiz and Eddie and Richard, and Bayani, and Gibo, and Jejomar, and Jamby, and Among Ed, and Erap .
