by Edcer Escudero
For lack of clear and sound platform or program that will attract supporters, presidential contenders, thru their idea meN or think tank, have concocted what we call catchwords which somehow identify their character and capabilities. Here they are:
Manny Villar: “Sipag at Tiyaga”.
His message is simple – The key to his success as businessman and politician is attributable to hard work and perseverance, and that he intends to hold on to these character traits when He assumes the leadership of this country.
Villar is an authentic rags-to-riches character. He was a poor Tondo boy who conquered poverty thru hard work and determination. He didn’t lose faith in himself and in his capacity to conquer all odds.
Gilbert Teodoro: “Galing at Talino”
“Gibo” has what many politicians don’t have – good breeding and brains. Call him elite, but he is not aloof or a snob. He has his feet firmly planted on the ground.
Some people have brains, but no heart. Others have a heart, but no brains. Gibo has both. And more: A master’s law degree from Harvard University, a bar topnotcher, a former thinking congressman and a hands-on former defense secretary. What more can you ask for? Who can beat that? Talent, ability, desire, strong will and the right perspective, these are what Gibo wants to bring to the presidency. He is not only bright; he is brilliant. And gentlemanly cool.
Benigno Aquino: “Nanay at Tatay”
Noynoy has not outgrown a mama’s boy image. The death of his mother has shoved him into a situation or something sans his own initiative. His candidacy was spontaneous, not planned. He was just pushed into the battlefield and is not fully prepared to do battle. And he hopes to win holding on to his late mother’s skirt.
Noynoy was carried away by the outpouring of affection of the people for his mother. He believes that such affection will rub off on him that he would duplicate his mother’s political miracle of 1986.
Will Noynoy do a Cory in 2010? Where are Cory’s loyal rah-rah boys of 1986 – Binay, Joker Arroyo, Aquilino Pimentel, Fidel Ramos, etc? They are rooting for Noynoy’s rivals.
Noynoy is using his mother as a stepping stone to Malacañang. He should step on his own stone.
Richard Gordon: The Transformer
That’s too abstract a catchword. Ordinary voters won’t easily understand that. Gordon’s think tank should come up with a more sellable come-on. Transformer is the favorite toy of children three years old and over. Maybe Dicky boy will have a better chance of winning the election if the Comelec allows these children to vote on May 10. (Hehehe, joke only.).
Joseph Estrada: “Erap babalik na!”
Watch out people!, for the return of the plunder boy. We all know what he is capable of doing, don’t we?
Eddie Villanueva: “Bangon Pilipinas”
Villanueva has been mouthing his favorite line that says that what this country needs is a righteous leader. And he presents himself as that leader.
Well, there is no truth to the rumor that if Eddie wins the presidency, he will convert Malacañang into a house of prayer!
