Political Fever in September

ELECTION FEVER IN SEPTEMBER

We are now on the last week of September. Christmas is just around the corner and so as the election fever.
In May of 2010, Filipino people will again be making one of the most crucial decisions in their lives…to select and elect the most qualified candidate (based on the criteria being set by each eligible voter) to be the next president of the Republic of the Philippines.
As early as first quarter of 2009, several presidential aspirants have already started buying television and radio airtime as part of their early “political campaigns”. These are in the form of infomercials (informative commercials) mentioning among other things their achievements as public servants and their future plans for the country.
As 2009 progresses, more and more developments in the political arena have been happening. The decision of Senator Mar Roxas not to run anymore for president to give way to Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino was a big surprise. The eventual announcement of the latter to run for the highest position in the country was also a headliner. Results of the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey would suggest that Senator Aquino is now the most popular presidential candidate, dislodging Senator Manny Villar from the number one spot.
People have also started asking as to who Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. is, who was formally endorsed recently by his colleagues to be the official candidate of the country’s ruling party. It is a fact that majority of Filipinos do not know much about him.
Political analysts and scholars have continuously been debating as to whether or not former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada is legally qualified to run for the same position that he held prior to EDSA II.
The selection of candidates for presidential race is also becoming exciting. Senator Mar Roxas had accepted a couple of days ago Senator Noynoy Aquino’s offer to be his running mate. The Vilmanians are also waiting for the decisions of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, the Philippines’ star for all seasons, if she will join the battle for national position or not. How about incumbent vice president Noli de Castro? Will he be “IN” or “OUT”?
As the breeze in early morning becomes cooler, election fever becomes hotter as the deadline for filing of certificate of candidacy is fast approaching. Surely, Filipinos will have a wonderful celebration as would be national and local candidates will serve as their Santa Clauses this yuletide season.