Presidentiables' withdrawal upsets Dakay

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archdiocese spokesman Monsignor Achilles Dakay criticized politicians who recently abandoned their plans for the 2010 elections.

In an interview, Dakay expressed dismay over those who gave up their drive to run for next year’s polls since more candidates would mean more choices for the populace.

“Kadto bang namahayag nga dunay mga programa nga sila ray makasulbad sa problema sa nasod, hain na man ang ilang prinsipyo? Nganong nikuyos man (Those who expressed they have the programs that can solve the country’s problems, where are their principles? Why did it fizzle),” Dakay said.

The first to back out from the presidential race was Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to give way to Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to be the standard bearer of the Liberal Party.

In the same manner, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, who disregarded his being a priest to become a public servant, also set aside his plan to seek the highest position to give way to Aquino.

 “Modagan siya isip pari kay siya ra kunoy makasulbad, way laing layman nga makasulbad sa problema, unya karon mobalik na sab siya pagka-pari, lain sab nang iya,” he said.

Also, Dakay did not spare even Aquino who said he will have to consult first the people and, in fact, went into a spiritual retreat to seek Divine guidance whether it would be appropriate for him to run as President next year or not.

 “Let him run kay ang mga tawo may mobotar, dili kay mananghid pa sa mga tawo nga modagan ba o dili, mananghid pa sa Ginoo kung modagan ba o dili, maayo man og mobotar nang Ginoo nga dili man,” Dakay said.

For him, Aquino is like a kite that is being lifted by people who had no other better things to do.

He said he wants the son of the late former President Corazon Aquino to run “according to what he believes in; to never allow being dictated, else this might lead to his fall.” — Ferliza C. Contratista with Elly Bolonos of Banat News/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)