P886M Capitol budget approved

This early, Philippine politics zeros in on the binoculars on the 2010 presidential elections.

If for nothing else, the certainty of the 2010 polls signals the end of a genre of "people power" to replace the status quo and resigns the country's image of a "banana republic" to history.

President GMA portrayed by one survey as the "most corrupt" among presidents - Marcos, Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and GMA - is a direct beneficiary of this new political evolution. Despite an awful corruption (most corrupt in Asia) and human rights records (over 800 extra-constitutional deaths and disappearances), she appears headed to finish her term - without the threats of a "coup" or "people power" seriously impeding her journey. Only the verdict of history awaits her.

What is the backdrop of the 2010 polls?

Our opinion is that the spirit of the 1987 Constitution would prohibit former presidents Estrada and Ramos from seeking the 2010 presidency. All their posturing is mere tactical prerogatives of political animals.

Likewise, the public pressure for a "clean polls" in 2010 will be so tremendous, appointments of new politically neutral and honest Comelec commissioners and the installation of a fool-proof computerized election system will be part of the legacy that GMA may try to impose - in order to partially save the day. That is, at least, some comfort.

The tragedy of Philippine politics, however, is the existence of multi-parties who individually places (in practice) little value to party ideology and platform. But this early, many personalities have already thrown their hats into the 2010 fray.

They have apparently traded off the possibility of being early targets for political assassination for the privilege of building up party following early and hopefully cement electorate recall of their names. Who are they?

Among the Opposition, senator Panfilo Lacson, had always shown interest in the presidency - after a respectable third place finish behind GMA and FPJ in 2004. Some FPJ followers, of course, had not yet forgiven him as they verily assert without Lacson dividing the Opposition vote, actor FPJ would have thrashed GMA - with or without Garci. Lacson has a poor human rights record as a policeman and an expose-laden stints in the senate. His charisma lies with followers who think a benevolent strong-arm man is what this contentious country needs. And one who gives up his P200-million a year Pork Barrel - which senator Lacson does.

A self-made billionaire, Manny Villar, president of the old Nacionalista Party has been both Speaker and Senate President. A consensus-builder but also doubted as a "practical politician" who will cut deals even with the Devil himself to achieve his ends, Villar has endeared himself to many local political leaders as well.

With his own bank account which can finance a presidential campaign, Villar is not a push-over.

An attractive package comes in the form of the Liberal Party representative - senator Mar Roxas, son of illustrious senator Gerry Roxas and grandson of the founder of the Liberal Party, former Philippine president Manuel Roxas, is backed by the private wealth of the family. "P1 billion" is just two floors of the Gateway Mall, one of the plush malls owned by the Roxases in the country, located in central Cubao commercial district - says a Roxas follower when asked whether Mar can fund his ambition. A popular former secretary of the DTI, Roxas known as "Mr. Palengke" has populist advocacies in the senate like cheaper medicines, education and consumer protection. Roxas topped the senate election with 20 million votes - the highest ever attained by an elected official in the country.

Even in the late 80s, a think tank of UP scholars had already extrapolated a political horizon for this young Wharton-educated investment banker Roxas - as striking for the vice presidency (at least) in 1998 and a showdown for the presidency with one of the Marcos heirs, who they forecast would recover the Marcos wealth and rebound politically. The think tank's timing is a little off and the Marcos prediction failed. But the point is - Mar Roxas is not a political accident. Neither is popular broadcaster Korina Sanchez as Mar's lover, possible wife. Korina seems to fit the bill.

Popular whiz kid, senator Chiz Escudero (of the NPC) who sneaked in second place in the 2004 polls is rumored as having moist eyes for the presidency as with megastar (Sharon Cuneta) hubby senator Kiko Pangilinan. Both are, however, considered political greenhorns with only the vice-presidency, perhaps, as a more achievable target. And half-facetiously, there is senator Jinggoy Estrada, who may inherit the old Erap political mantle and run for the Palace (hopefully without a "Midnight Cabinet"). As if by design, he just won the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor Award. More recall?

"The early bird catches the worm, but who cares about worms?" - seems to be philosophy behind the amused distance given by two-time senate top-notcher and top-ranked former media icon, senator Loren Legarda, whose advocacies center on the environment, women and children rights, peace and order and the economy.

At the height of the 2004 campaign, Loren Legarda was voted the No. 1 most trusted public figure in the country to include all possible contender-names. Legarda opines tandems are formed only a few months before election - and their formation is a function of who the people want per surveys, at that point - not this early in the game.

But whether she announces or not, Loren (backed up by solid king-maker
billionaire Danding Cojuancgo) is a hot contender for the presidency in 2010. There are feelers for her to run as vice-president again - which she gamely just shrugs off her pretty shoulders. She locked horns - in almost steady stance - with another popular Noli de Castro for the vice presidency in 2004 - a loss she had filed under protest.

Armed with a movie-actress charisma and gifted with the gift of gab, Legarda is expected to figure prominently in the 2010 presidential elections. She was quoted as having talked with the Administration for a coalition (as NPC) but which her camp vehemently denied. Legarda is a proud self-proclaimed Opposition public official.

On the other hand, Vice President Noli de Castro, a heart beat from the Palace, is not coy about the fact that both Administration and Opposition groups have invited him as presidential bet in their parties. De Castro, an intellectual lightweight who cannot seem to shed off his hoi polloi type of broadcast journalism (even as vice president) is considered a strong contender by any party.

Observers say he has learned a lot of governance style from his closeness to GMA. A sponsor for the poor's housing the plight of OFWs, Noli is also fiercely loyal to the president. This was tested in the "Hello Garci" scandal and the impending coup then - where a "deal" out of Hongkong allowed Noli to stand behind the president - even though it offered a chance for him to ascend to the presidency. Will GMA reward him?

Will Noli accept it? Will he be Opposition and disengage from the battered Administration? Who are the Administrations possible bets?

Feliciano Belmonte, a former congressman and now city mayor of Quezon City - has both legislative and executive experience but seems to lack national appeal to voters.

MMDA Chairman and "pink panther" himself Bayani Fernando has painted himself as heroic as his name suggests as a very credible Marikina city steward and now as King of Metro Manila. Both a visionary and a "doer" Fernando seems like the vanishing breed of no-nonsense, no frills leader that the country needs. BF is a stickler for the law and appears fearless. Fernando claims he has good nationwide recall. But whether that translates to voter's votes in the Real World remains to be seen.

It is hard where to categorize senator Richard "Dick" Gordon, who as administration senator, has thrown brick bats to GMA as well like on the Erap pardon. A Subic Area miracle worker and a tourism czar, business had long ago, believed Dick has the potential intellect, passion and eloquence to lead the country. His strict bureaucratic style of "hands-on" management many times rub people and make then run away from Rampaging Dick.

Gordon has nationwide exposure as current Red Cross Boss and has formed a new group of allies he can translate into a political party called Bagumbayan, one that nurtures belief in the Filipino, volunteerism and undying hope for the future. Will Dick be anointed by the administration or will he swim on his own?

New faces, new realignments and discarded oldies will emerge in the firmament sooner than we think. It is too early in the game to say who will be at the starting line when the race begins for 2010.

With all the problems besetting the country and the troubles of governing a nation of 82 million Filipinos as president, one begins to wonder why people like the above even try.

But that's better than offering our Native Land to the likes of Racuyal, an Imelda Marcos or a Mark Jimenez.

Philippines, are you ready for 2010?