WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOUR PRESIDENT-CANDIDATE WILL WIN?

2010 Philippine elections presidential candidatesWhat will happen if a particular candidate will become the next President of the Philippines? If this is YOUR president, then you are responsible for whatever actions and decisions that he makes.

This is an article from a critique point of view.

To start with, there is this question: why will a candidate spend millions and even billions for an elective position that has a standard salary and will not recover the spent amount during election campaigns?  In short, will you spend for example 1billion pesos for a salary of P50K a month? No politician is that stupid. Religious or not, there's always a catch no matter who that politician is. Sorry.

President JC Delos Reyes, the youngest presidential candidate under the Kapatiran party. Principled and has a platform to follow. However, sticking too much to the Catholic religion during forums is a minus factor. So called Christians, Muslims and other religious sects will find it hard to vote for JC. Of all the presidential wannabees, JC Delos Reyes has the cleanest background. But, if he wins as the president, at least I can see a new reform from a principled of politician.

President Eddie Villanueva, a political professor turned religious leader. Has a solid background on Philippine political studies and a huge religious following under the Jesus Is Lord movement. Just like JC Delos Reyes, Villanueva is associated closely to a religious movement, so no matter how good his platform is, his chances of winning is slim. The Philippines is a country somewhat controlled by religious leaders and by such having a dominance over a certain sector of the society is a must. Therefore, no religious denomination will let itself be under the control of another. It a matter of pride and numbers. In Villanueva's case, he may have a good program, but he must first please other religious communities. But if he will win as the president, I don't know... maybe this country will turn into a God fearing nation.

President Bayani Fernando, has always used the words "political will" as a campaign slogan. He has done some changes in Metropolitan Manila as the former MMDA chairman. Often times, misunderstandings with the city mayors come up because his decisions are unpopular. However, he implemented his projects regardless of its unpopularity. Unless he gets help from the "new generation", his chances of winning is slim. Having a following in Metro Manila alone will not ensure him of a presidential seat. But if he wins as the president, there will be control and chaos at the same time. Practicing the power of political will has its own downsides.

President Noynoy Aquino, is considered the big name to beat in the race for that presidential seat. Regardless of how he or his sister defends his rise to popularity, the fact remains that he became a presidential candidate out of the popular shadows of his parents. He can win any seat aside from presidency using his family name alone. He has a large arsenal of yellow followers and a party with numerous political turncoats. He may stand a chance in the race. However, a question remains on his capacity to run a country. But if he will win as the president, I see no major change. Same old politicians with new party alliance is not a solution and oftentimes party objectives become a mere piece of paper. Also, there is a big possibility that showbiz personalities end up in key government positions instead of those who are learned and qualified. But then again, maybe Noynoy can deliver a change outside of the box that we see, Obama style.

President Erap Estrada, is old news with new partners. He has the biggest legal battle to face if he wins as president. Relying too much on the "masa power" today may not deliver the desired number of votes. But if he wins as the president, his time will be divided in taking care of the country and attending to the legal cases filed against him. Also, he has to guard his vice president 25hours /day.

President Manny Villar, is the big spender. Allegedly, he already spent close to a billion pesos on TV, radio and print ads. More often than not, during interview,  all you can hear from him is his story from being poor in the market and streets of Tondo  to becoming rich due to Real Estate and Development Contracts. He has a strong following and party affiliates. Considering his money and machinery, he maybe able to pull this off. However, the question on "ROI" is running along his side. Some say that since he is a contractor and developer, all contracts will run a tele novela bidding and contracts will be awarded to his favor. His intentions maybe good, but it remains to be seen. But if he wins as the president, there maybe some advantages because for one, development will surely be on the upswing. Roads and bridges will be concreted, big buildings, real estate developments. The downside is that he is not seen as pro agriculture, in fact he does not discuss pro-agriculture issues. Between a pro developer and a pro-agriculture, which will you choose?

President Gilbert Teodoro, called as "mr. dapat" because of his political commercials. He has the backing of the present government and the powerful machinery of the largest Philippine political party. His intentions to become the president maybe good but it seems he is having a hard time shaking off his closeness with the current and unpopular president. It's like new cover for an old news. In the election field, it is a minus minus. However, of all the presidential candidates, I believe that his wits and intelligence is useful in running a country. He answers questions intelligently and has ready answers even for the difficult ones. It's just so sad he is running under the unpopular party. But if he will become the next president, he may do fine so long as he does not have to pay so much political debts just like the present one.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, if your president will win and he acts not according to your expectations... you will be the one to be blamed. If the country falls apart, you blame yourself. Remember, in this election period, NOTHING SEEMS TO BE TRUE and EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE RIGHT. In tagalog: Lahat ng kadidato mabait kasi may kailangan sila sa iyo, pero pagkatapos ng election, hinde ka nila kilala.