Photofinish Race Between Aquino and Villar in coming Philippine ElectionEditorial
Taking stock of the six Christmases
after the questionable election of Philippine President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo....As journalists in Chicago, we were filled with a
thrilling unexpected hopefulness that the President of the Republic of
the Philippines may well be on her way to losing her battle for the
hearts and minds of the Filipino people, tempered by shock disbelief
that so much long-term damage could be perpetrated to the
country’s econony, national security, and way of life in just six
years of ill-judged governance.
Inevitably, author Charles Dickens’ immortal opening sentence to “ATale of Two Cities,” aptly describes what we are talking about... “It was the best of times, it was a worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, of incredulity, it was a season of light, it was a season of darkness, it was a spring of hope, it was a winter of despair, we had everything before us, we are all going direct to heaven, we are all going direct the other way....” This view could apply as equally to the opposition as it does to the administration.
Inevitably, author Charles Dickens’ immortal opening sentence to “ATale of Two Cities,” aptly describes what we are talking about... “It was the best of times, it was a worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, of incredulity, it was a season of light, it was a season of darkness, it was a spring of hope, it was a winter of despair, we had everything before us, we are all going direct to heaven, we are all going direct the other way....” This view could apply as equally to the opposition as it does to the administration.
The battle for control of the
Republic of the Philippines moves into its final stretch with the
Filipino people unsettled about the economy, poverty and education. So
far, both the administration and opposition candidates have failed to
offer a clear vision about how they would lead the country.
On a recent visit, the VT and CPRTV also found an emerging divide among the presidential candidates in their perception of the state of the nation and the problems the country faces in the coming election of May 2010.
But the question (known as generic ballot question), as a measure of national sentiment, reflects on how the Filipinos will vote in the presidential races (including a handful of close Senate and House races) around the archipelago will ultimately determine the control of Congress. The concern among the politicians about the nation’s direction and the economy suggests that voters might be more motivated to cast their vote drives (AKO ANG SIMULA), organized by CBS-CBN International, aimed in particular at voters who are distressed about the economy and corruption.
Nevertheless, President Arroyo who has invested so much of her own political capital in the outcome of the election for President, is also running for Congress in her hometown of Pampanga.
Our own personal poll which we conducted while in Luzon area, came at the close of an ordinarily competitive campaign for the presidency that will determine whether a single party, Liberal or Nacionalista, will control the Malacanang Palace, and the Senate and the House of Representatives for at least two more years.
The results of our own poll showed that Noynoy and Mar tandem leads by 10%, but the tandem of Villar and Legarda cuts the lead quickly, and we predict that by early next year (2010), it will be a photofinish race, with Villar by a nose.
Our respondents unanimously echo, “Take away Ninoy and Cory’s name from Noynoy, what has he got?” Villar, from a squatter (rags-to-riches) self-made millionaire, and a good leader that has been serving our country for many years.
On a recent visit, the VT and CPRTV also found an emerging divide among the presidential candidates in their perception of the state of the nation and the problems the country faces in the coming election of May 2010.
But the question (known as generic ballot question), as a measure of national sentiment, reflects on how the Filipinos will vote in the presidential races (including a handful of close Senate and House races) around the archipelago will ultimately determine the control of Congress. The concern among the politicians about the nation’s direction and the economy suggests that voters might be more motivated to cast their vote drives (AKO ANG SIMULA), organized by CBS-CBN International, aimed in particular at voters who are distressed about the economy and corruption.
Nevertheless, President Arroyo who has invested so much of her own political capital in the outcome of the election for President, is also running for Congress in her hometown of Pampanga.
Our own personal poll which we conducted while in Luzon area, came at the close of an ordinarily competitive campaign for the presidency that will determine whether a single party, Liberal or Nacionalista, will control the Malacanang Palace, and the Senate and the House of Representatives for at least two more years.
The results of our own poll showed that Noynoy and Mar tandem leads by 10%, but the tandem of Villar and Legarda cuts the lead quickly, and we predict that by early next year (2010), it will be a photofinish race, with Villar by a nose.
Our respondents unanimously echo, “Take away Ninoy and Cory’s name from Noynoy, what has he got?” Villar, from a squatter (rags-to-riches) self-made millionaire, and a good leader that has been serving our country for many years.
To tell the truth, we like President Arroyo's Meal Politics with its own class and style. Keep up the good image for our country, regardless of what the Philippine press says. Mabuhay ka!
