Wednesday, June 24, 2009

More on commentaries

About my commentaries:

There will be more of my commentaries to come. Depending on how much spare time I have, I will continue to post. For now, I have only Mr. Binay's interview but expect for comments on other presidential runners.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Reaction to Mr. Binay's question and answer

The first question asked by the host points the weakness in Binay's character. He was asked whether will he run as president in his own terms or give way for the former president Erap Estrada for the good of his party. Binay's answer depended on the latter, that given Estrada were to run as president he will step down and run the vice presidential ticket instead. Subsequently, Mr. Binay's leadership character came into question whether he's fit to be a strong, and assertive president for the Pilipino people.

In trying to erase some of the doubt that was raised by agreeing in stepping down, he explained
,"... You know I always believe na for one to be a good follower, ah a good leader, one must be a good follower...," to imply that being FORCED to step down is not as bad as people think. His justification lies in the statement he made about the vice president as having the same qualification as the president therefore both positions have equal weight. Although there's some truth to that, it seems as though he was trying to fix his image in the interview. Any pre-conceived strong characteristics in his part may have left the building along with him.

Moreover, Binay sounded as if he is getting whipped already by saying, "...magaasam asam na lang ako na mag vice president...," (this is feeling like getting leftovers when you know you deserve the top cut but you take it anyhow) not pleased when he was referring to the vice presidential ticket that he would eventually fill. From me to Mr. Binay: I know you're not happy with this and it shows. I know you want that position bad enough to settle for a vice presidential ticket. And I, as well as the rest of the Philippine public know that the only reasonable explanation for having Erap on board in your party is his mass appeal. In contrary, Erap has no chance in winning since Pilipinos have witnessed his short capacity as leader. Case in point, he could not save himself even when he was the most powerful person in his time as president. Erap only post as a liability that could potentially bring down your party; he's dead weight, and to abandon him is the sensible thing to do to survive the election. If I were you, push Erap out (you might need extra sets of balls for this task since his well connected) and take the first ticket like you would take a candy from a baby.

The question was settling enough that perhaps the weakness he showed was easily missed. By agreeing to step down, Binay raises doubt about his character in the context of presidency.
To his credit, he may have fought, overcame many situations, and perhaps he may have championed local causes; I can't take that away from him but a weak president to represent a struggling country does not look every much convincing at all.



Intro

What prompted me to make my first attempt with blogging is the need for reliable information regarding the Philippine Presidential Election 2010. I'm of P/Filipino background, and have the urge to examine a little bit more about the Philippine election and politics in general in light of Pres. Obama's success in the U.S. The main objective is to have as many diffirent ideas, and to be able to engage in healthy, constructive discussion. May it bring us fruitful ends.