Whatever Politics

I'm no expert in politics though I try my best to observe. I very much form my own opinions, although not really accurate ones, but honest and real. For one, I can publicly say that I find presidential ads on TV with all the jingles and dramatic skits very annoying. Every candidate has resulted to showbiz means of reaching out to people. Most even violate the allowable campaigning period subtly by making infomercials of their departments or any advertisements for that matter. From endorsing herbal medicine to laundry detergents, they expose their pristine selves nationwide. Randomly appearing in prime time shows giving out money, entertainment and livelihood may be saintly, but onion-skinned in covering the highest political ambition. It's annoying, but what can I do? They had to bow down to the Filipino strategies to win.

But nothing beats the dramatic turn of events that happen within the campaigning period. A lot of things may change around and it's often dramatic and interesting. Mar Roxas, a senator who comes from an influential family, had been one of the first hopefuls to keenly eye on being the next president. His grandfather was one and no doubt he has a good track record. He is not one of those politicians who generated negative heat from the public. He is if not one of the best bets, he's one of the safest. Like all presidential hopefuls he is strongly for change. His very choreographed and meticulous commercials often stressed it.

But one unassuming day, he announced that he will be pulling out from the race to give way and full support to Senator Noynoy Aquino, who has yet to announce his official candidacy. It seems a lot of people are egging for Noynoy to run and win, there is still that whiplash of people's support for what his mother, late President Corazon Aquino, stood for.

After the formal retreat had been made, family members and loved ones of Mar Roxas were seen crying out of pride and out of sadness due to the senator's biggest political sacrifice. Some saw it as a form of statesmanship, some are still baffled as to why he quit the race when the other one has yet to announce his candidacy, others saw it as a graceful exit since his poll standing is not as promising as expected. A lot of interpretation could be seen from this. And I just hope that his move created positive ripples elsewhere. Now, everyone most especially the other presidential hopefuls are waiting for Noynoy's announcement to gauge the change of the playing field. Then we could expect changes from there. Philippine Politics, if not a pain in the ass, serves as an amusing ball of events.

Personally, it's too early to tell who's going to win. That's why I don't get it why people are becoming so emotional now especially on national tv. To say that one is hurt and disappointed is one thing, but bawl his/her eyes out on TV is another. It doesn't look nice. It looks desperate and very power hungry. Second, one shouldn't only consider running out of mere popularity. A sure ball win and support doesn't necessarily make one a good president. Presidential hopefuls should always remember that they are running because they themselves know what to do to make this country turn around, that they have personally accepted the desire and challenge to take up the post. It's different if the post seems freely handed to them and they took up the challenge. There should be personal convincing involved. Third, it would be interesting to see how the voters would finally act on the ever changing choices given to them. The votes will tell us what we believe this country needs, I just hope we think it through and not be swayed ourselves.

From the list of hopefuls that's both weird and amusing, to the dramatic turn of events that seem shocking and interesting, to the uncertain future that lies ahead, one thing is for sure. Philippine politics will never lose its luster. Thanks to the last remaining efforts of the administration to gain support, we are enjoying non-working days ahead for this month. Whatever, politics.