by Edcer Escudero
Ten self-proclaimed political messiahs are offering themselves as the ultimate vehicle that will bring about prosperity to 90-plus million Filipinos from 2010 onward.
Entering into the half-way mark of the campaign, the presidential race is fast shaping up into a three-cornered scramble to the finish line among the front-runners namely, a brilliant lawyer, a super rich veteran legislator, and a puppet of people who adore his parents.
Let’s have a closer look at them.
GILBERTO TEODORO, (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) – Gentleman. Even-tempered. Articulate. Suave. Docorous. Decent. Brainy. He could very well be the ideal politician. He knows his onions. He has elevated the presidential campaign to a higher level by veering away from personality-directed tactics. He is a whiff of fresh political air.
At 46, he’s a relatively young presidentiable. His brief stint as defense secretary showcased his execytive talent and decision-making skill. He has great potentials. If he doesn’t made it this year, he’ll be a force to reckon with in 2016. By then, at age 52, he’ll be more mature and better prepared to lead the nation.
MANNY VILLAR, (Nacionalista Party) – Manny is the moneyman in this election. He’s super rich, but not filthy rich. He should not be faulted for having an enormous amount of money. His wealth plus his political savvy will serve him well in confronting the challenges of the presidency.
Manny Villar uses his money to realize his dream of serving his country and helping improve the lives of his people. What’s wrong with that?
BENIGNO AQUINO, (Liberal Party) –Like his mama in the 1986 snap presidential poll, Benigno is a reluctant candidate. By force majure, he had to take the torch of leadership of a fractured political party in the throes of extinction. Actually, Aquino was a last-minute candidate. He was prodded to run by people who want to recreate the Cory “Days of Wine and Roses.”
Hardcore Coristas will be ubiquitous in Malacañang once Noynoy gets there. And, like in the case of his mother, these people will run the government for him. Inexperienced, untested, and with an autistic grasp of issues, he’ll be a virtual figure head.
Trailing the three front-runners are political characters who refuse to wake up to realities.
JOSEPH ESTRADA, Former screen idol who wants to do a “Take Two” of a disastrous performance, and hoodwink once again his beloved masa.
If Gloria didn’t pardon Erap, where would he be today? Behind bars, of course! But the Ejercito clan has the gall to throw mud at her. They are shameless ingrates.
History will give Gloria a stern reprimand for pardoning a scoundrel, a stinging rebuke to Erap for bastardizing the office of the president.
EDDIE VILLANUEVA, This one-dimensional spiritual guru is a political anomaly. He is divinizing politics by infusing in his person the leadership traits of biblical leaders. He is another political joke.
JC Delos Reyes. Vetellano Acosta, Jamby Madrigal, Nicolas Perlas. Forget them. They are lost causes. Maybe, a visit to the psychiatrist will normalize their mental equilibrium.
