It saddens me that Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay withdrew his bid for the presidency. Amongst the presidential contenders so far, I would have voted for him (except, maybe, Manuel Villar, Jr.). He may not be as popular as all the other candidates are, but his accomplishments as mayor in Makati (and even before that) show his caliber as a leader.
I know, I know. The “Ganito kami sa Makati, ganito sana sa buong bayan” is too vain and cheesy. But, hey, isn’t Makati really progressive? And during the 2nd set of the televised ANC Presidential Debates at UP Diliman (which was attended by Joseph Estrada, Loren Legarda, Bayani Fernando and him), he had the most concrete ways of addressing issues and problems in the country. No motherly statements and no theoretical approaches. Pure concrete.
But there’s no use arguing what a promising leader he could be – he has already pulled out of the race, joining Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manuel Roxas II, and Governer Ed Panlilio. Like Roxas and Panlilio, he gave way for the presidential bid of the suddenly-popular Sen. Benigno Aquino III.
With all the research I did, I am still not convinced that Aquino is ready for a position as important and laborious (not to mention, dangerous) as the president. Yes, his parents were great leaders of our land. GREAT leaders. But, leadership, fellow Filipinos, is not hereditary.
We still have to see how things will turn out in this political drama of 3 presidential bets (Roxas, Panlilio and Binay) giving way for a single, miraculously-propelled (almost-cult-superstardom) candidate.
Although I am still saddened with the news of Binay’s withdrawal, I am also elated how the presidential race is developing.
Early this year, we, Filipinos, were held confused with all the names wanting to become the next president (that is, if GMA is touched by an angel and will not extend her term through CON-ASS or whatever). As the year went from January to September, more and more names add to our confusion. Good thing, some early front runners pulled out (Lacson on July; Roxas, Panlilio and Binay on September), leaving us with a slimmer array of presidents to choose from.
I think this is a good indication. One by one, president-wannabe’s are retreating, and hopefully, only two or three will remain come May 2010. With only few people to choose from, the voters will have easier, wiser and more critical evaluation as to who is fit for the position.
4 aspirants down, more to go. I could only hope Joseph Estrada will be next. He’s had his chance before and he’s nothing but a nuisance this time around.
BY: RYAN LOUIE MADRID
Photo credit: http://www.ernan.net/images/JejomarBinay.jpg
I know, I know. The “Ganito kami sa Makati, ganito sana sa buong bayan” is too vain and cheesy. But, hey, isn’t Makati really progressive? And during the 2nd set of the televised ANC Presidential Debates at UP Diliman (which was attended by Joseph Estrada, Loren Legarda, Bayani Fernando and him), he had the most concrete ways of addressing issues and problems in the country. No motherly statements and no theoretical approaches. Pure concrete.
But there’s no use arguing what a promising leader he could be – he has already pulled out of the race, joining Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manuel Roxas II, and Governer Ed Panlilio. Like Roxas and Panlilio, he gave way for the presidential bid of the suddenly-popular Sen. Benigno Aquino III.
With all the research I did, I am still not convinced that Aquino is ready for a position as important and laborious (not to mention, dangerous) as the president. Yes, his parents were great leaders of our land. GREAT leaders. But, leadership, fellow Filipinos, is not hereditary.
We still have to see how things will turn out in this political drama of 3 presidential bets (Roxas, Panlilio and Binay) giving way for a single, miraculously-propelled (almost-cult-superstardom) candidate.
Although I am still saddened with the news of Binay’s withdrawal, I am also elated how the presidential race is developing.
Early this year, we, Filipinos, were held confused with all the names wanting to become the next president (that is, if GMA is touched by an angel and will not extend her term through CON-ASS or whatever). As the year went from January to September, more and more names add to our confusion. Good thing, some early front runners pulled out (Lacson on July; Roxas, Panlilio and Binay on September), leaving us with a slimmer array of presidents to choose from.
I think this is a good indication. One by one, president-wannabe’s are retreating, and hopefully, only two or three will remain come May 2010. With only few people to choose from, the voters will have easier, wiser and more critical evaluation as to who is fit for the position.
4 aspirants down, more to go. I could only hope Joseph Estrada will be next. He’s had his chance before and he’s nothing but a nuisance this time around.
BY: RYAN LOUIE MADRID
Photo credit: http://www.ernan.net/images/JejomarBinay.jpg
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