Election 2007 Analysis

The Filipinos are wiser on this year's elections
June 2007 issue, The Benildean

Joseph Estrada’s victory in the 1998 Presidential race was as unfortunate as the mounting superficiality of Filipinos. With experience and intellect superseding the status quo of popularity and good looks, Philippine box office superstars were more likely to bag a seat in the government to the embarrassment of the already corruption-despoiled Philippines.

Of course there were the page-oners sitting pretty in the senate—the hotshots who once in their life had feigned infirmities and posed as heroes to the delight of film aficionados. As if the limelight of being a superstar is not enough, they decided on a spot in politics and once again, their devotees’ unwavering admiration never failed them.

It’s a hopeless argument, you reckon. But in the recent senatorial and congressional race, Filipinos appeared to have woken up to the stink smell of coffee and acted intelligently through their votes. Cesar Montano, an obvious pawn of the administration, failed to use his pizzazz to bag a role in the senate. The same goes for boxing big cheese Manny Pacquiao whose obvious lack of brain power caused him a knock out from the politically-experienced Darlene A. Custodio.

Call it a revolution in a form of a vote. The Filipinos have had enough of tongue in cheek promises and popularity contests in the bright lights of politics. This year, the senatorial/congressional election is a good sign that a longed-for change is now visible in our horizon.