Political Parties and 2010 'Presidentiables'

Politicians' info-mercials or advertisements now flood the airwaves, to the dismay of many Pinoys. Although these ads are still considered legal, since they are not endorsements of candidacy nor campaign-related per se, and that there is no law prohibiting such acts, these are obviously meant to increase the public's name-recall for the presidential aspirants and to increase their chances of being elected in next year's polls.

While some sectors have already moved to put a stop to the airing of these info-mercials, it is only understandable that such ads will continue to be aired. There seems to be no known way to prevent aspirants from making themselves more popular.

Before anything else, if one is an eligible Filipino voter, make sure that he or she is duly registered with the Comelec for him or her to become qualified to vote in 2010. Make this an urgent reminder especially for first-time voters. Every vote matters. But, the final count, as revealed by the Hello Garci Scandal, is another issue worth resolving.

The number of candidates for the country's chief executive position is as many as the political parties and alliances vying for power. Voters are already asking who among the following 'presidentiables' will occupy the much coveted seat in Malacanang Palace after the 2010 Elections (...if there will be elections, as skeptics warned). There is much talk about the squabbles or rifts inside political parties for the sake of each own's candidate for the top two posts in Malacanang. "Welcome to the circus," as cynics would say.

As of press time, the following aspirants rank highest in popularity surveys or simply buzzed repeatedly in forums and news reports: Vice-president Noli de Castro, former president Joseph 'Erap' Estrada, Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, Senator Mar Roxas, Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson, Senator Manny Villar, Senator Loren Legarda, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando, and President Gloria Arroyo.

Up to now, Vice-president de Castro, an administration partymate, remains silent on his plans. Despite his popularity, most commentators warn that he is not ready nor fit for the post. Former president Estrada, likewise one of the masa's top bet (or seem to be), threatens to run only if the so-called Opposition does not unite to field a common candidate against the Administration's bet. His eligibility, however, remains in question.

The young Senator Escudero is a promising 'presidentiable' but his critics say he speaks rather ambiguously and still has no substantive platform to offer. Senator Villar, now facing a Senate inquiry, may or may not land number 1 in the popularity surveys depending on how he answers to fellow senators to be able to clear his name. Secretary Teodoro, also an administration bet, was said to have performed better than other 'presidentiables' during a recent tv forum. Malacanang has no announcement as of today. Mayor Binay, a top Opposition leader, seem to offer a promise of benefits if elected as president, as it was associated with the tv ads aired during the city's anniversary and showcasing the free benefits enjoyed by Makati residents.

Among the alternative candidates reportedly going to run for presidency is Governor Panlilio, a priest-turned-governor who is well-known for his anti-corruption crusade in Pampanga. He figured in the Malacanang 'bribery' incident when he returned the "bribe" money allegedly distributed to palace guests. Panlilio is often identified with Chief Justice Puno's campaign for a moral government.

While there are straightforward news, there are also rumors. The rumors offer many possibilities that may eventually become real, if allowed by circumstances, in the coming months. President Gloria Arroyo, although legally barred from running again, is rumored to possibly become the country's Prime Minister if her allies succeed in amending the Constitution. In this scenario of Charter Change, the present Congress will be turned into a Parliament, or will shift government into parliamentary form. The 'Gloria Forever' theme was again aired by a popular columnist, by his mentioning of the threat of a no elections (No-El) scenario, an emergency rule or a combination of surprises that may effectively perpetuate Arroyo's rule way beyond 2010. The said columnist warns the public to be wary and prepared for nasty surprises.

Given the numerous presidential aspirants claiming to represent the country's hopes for economic recovery and development, given the plethora of political parties and politicians endlessly promising a better life for Pinoys but in the end merely acquiring a better life for themselves, given the prevailing political culture, one cannot help but feel confused or apathetic. The personal indifference that ultimately makes the Philippines lag behind clearly needs to vanish one way or another.

Individuals and groups are still in search of more information and motivation, more inspiration and guidance, better platforms and personalities, and organizations that may offer them viable solutions to their woes and necessities. Filipino voters need to be educated and motivated into action. Here now is a good start. The time is always right to make forward steps.