'Noynoy to face corruption, power interests'

MANILA, Philippines - While much is expected of president-apparent Sen. Benigno Aquino III, corruption and powerful interests are likely to weigh down his capability to implement reforms in the government, a US-based risk consultancy firm said.

“Politically, there is simply no basis for celebration or indication that the 2010 election will produce the shifts in governance that the country so desperately requires,” a report prepared by the Pacific Strategies & Assessments (PSA) dated May 17 showed.

“Without question, Noynoy (Aquino’s nickname) will face the realities of Philippine power interests and indestructible corruption that will limit his ability to impact change,” the report read.

PSA, whose clients include top multinational firms and embassies, said past presidents have not been successful in addressing corruption.

“No Philippine president has really tried, much less succeeded, at making any serious inroads into the culture of corruption and most justifiably doubt Noynoy is cut from a much different cloth,” the report said.

“Unless the symbiosis between governance and corruption is severed, Noynoy and the other well-intentioned elected officials can do little to shift the playing field,” it added.

PSA said traditional politicians and political butterflies, including actors turned politicians, dominate the incoming Senate, many of whose members “are just a roll call of returning politicians.”

Four of the 12 senators proclaimed – Ramon Revilla Jr., Manuel Lapid, Jinggoy Estrada and Vicente Sotto III – are actors.

Serge Osmeña III, Franklin Drilon and Ralph Recto are returning politicians, while Teofisto Guingona III and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are sons of known politicians.

Senators Miriam Santiago, Juan Ponce Enrile and Pia Cayetano are incumbents.

“Losing candidates Manny Villar and Loren Legarda are expected to wrest control of the Senate leadership to form a political bloc that Noynoy will have to broker with to get things done,” PSA said.

PSA said the successful congressional bids of President Arroyo, boxer Manny Pacquiao and former first lady Imelda Marcos would be “mind-blowing in most other countries in the world.”

In the same report, PSA said based on preliminary assessments, the automated elections were able to limit cheating and electoral protests.

“There is no doubt that the vote in 2010 establishes a new electoral benchmark for the Philippines. It can certainly serve as a stepping stone and launching pad for more responsible and competent government under the next administration,” PSA said.

“It remains to be seen, however, whether this election will actually result in the institutionalization of a more credible elections process or a more rigorous dedication to democracy across government,” it added.

Noynoy’s imagination

Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said that he would leave it up to Aquino’s “imagination” on how he would rid the country of corruption.

“It will depend upon his imagination and the imagination of the future Cabinet, on how they could not only reduce but to totally remove corruption. As to how it will be done, that I do not know, it’s a very big challenge and a very big promise that he made,” Lagdameo said in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.

He said Aquino should appoint Cabinet members who share his vision.

The Iloilo prelate said the incoming administration should also focus on upgrading the educational system to benefit the poor.

When asked what he would consider a legacy of President Arroyo, the former CBCP head said it was the improvement of infrastructure.

Lagdameo said Mrs. Arroyo failed to address corruption issues during her term and had even allegedly benefitted from it and protected officials involved in corruption.   – With Evelyn Macairan