Perception

The November 4-8 SWS survey shows that the Noynoy-Mar team’s lead in the polls is dwindling. As correctly assessed by LP campaign manager, Butch Abad, Noynoy’s popularity is based merely on people’s perception of integrity which people equate to having a less corrupt government. But the way the LP is practicing its politics that perception may eventually fade and vanish. Even Noynoy himself believes that the survey is an inaccurate reflection of voter sympathy in the May 2010 election. So this early, the LP should review and change their tactics which is leaning more and more to transactional politics.

Notably the survey was made when the Gordon and Fernando team has not yet announced their candidacy. As I wrote earlier (Philippine STAR, December 7, 2009) the entry of this team presents another good choice for the electorate in the “good vs. evil” fight. It is still about six months before the election. The process of selecting candidates to vote for is a continuing one. We have to closely monitor their campaign moves and tactics to find out if they deserve our votes.

At the start and until now I am still for Noynoy and Mar not because they lead in the surveys but more because I still have trust that they can effect the necessary changes in our government. But there is another Gordon-Fernando team I can choose eventually if the Noy-Mar team does not live up to my expectations. For the benefit and guidance of Noynoy and Mar, let me share some of the readers’ reactions in the internet to my write-up last December 7, 2009 (edited and condensed).

Chantel — Mr. Sison is right in saying the entry of the Richard Gordon-Bayani Fernando tandem brightens the political horizon. The entry of the two gentlemen made the May 2010 presidential elections exciting and worth participating in. I will definitely vote for these two, in fact, everyone in our house will vote for them. No other candidate comes close to these two when it comes to proven performance and track record.

And even if they don’t win which is still debatable, at least i’ll know that i really exercised my right and i chose the best.

Basti01 — I may not be able to exercise my right to vote for these two honorable gentlemen (Gordon & Fernando) but i’ll see to it that my whole family back there in the Philippines will cast their precious vote for these gentlemen...... To all Filipino out there, let us once unite para sa tunay na pagbabago ng ating bayang magiliw.

Moneydown — Winnability or none, vote for the candidate who you believe is best for the country. If Gordon-Fernando is best, then vote for them, damn the surveys. For all you know, they may just win. I, for one, will certainly be for the Transformers.

Fred Magdalera — You got it right, moneydown! The Filipino voter’s mentality must be transformed from its mendicant acceptance of, and apathetic resignation to, the political status quo into a vigilant and intelligent engine for people power emancipation. It is high time that we elect leaders who can bring the country in the league of first-world nations. Only leaders like Gordon and Fernando can do this.

Gody A. Macansantos — Gordon and Fernando are my choices for president and vice-president, respectively. But why did they came in late? I agree with what Atty. Sison wrote but for the article’s title — “Correct but unwise choice”. Rather, it should be titled “the Only Wise Choice”. Trapos and PPs (political paru-paru) should be booted out of the political system. They have been running the show for too long now that the same problems faced by one administration after another continue to persist and multiply.

Xerb1959 — Mula pa noong araw ay bumuboto ako galing sa aking konsensiya. Iboboto ko kung sino ang dapat at karadapat-dapat na mamuno sa ating bansa. Isa lang ang boto ko, pero paglabas ko sa presinto, magiging masaya ako dahil, bilang isang Pilipino ay nagampanan ko ang aking tungkulin bilang mamamayan na maiboto ang karapat-dapat na mamuno sa ating bayan.

May_ pag-asa_ pa_ s2010 — Yes they are good tandem. Pero ang problema ng botante lalo na sa liblib na lugar, pag pupunta na sila sa presinto bibigyan sila kunyari ng envelope ng lider at sa loob nito ay may carbon paper at yun ang gagamitin nilang proof na ibinoto nila si ganito dahil bubuksan yun ng lider at pag nakitang may trace doon ang pangalan ng kandidatong gusto nila iboto saka sila mababayaran. Kaya pag mahirap ka at gusto mo ng pera yun na ang gagawin mo, panandaliang tawid gutom sa 6 na taong paghihirap. ganito kagarapal ang botohan sa liblib na lugar at yung ballot switching na yan ay isang kalokohan.

Robinson2 — By joining forces together, Dick and BF created a synergy they would not have if they have gone separately. They are both very credible and have the records to prove it. With the new team, people are really given the chance to make more intelligent choices this coming election. Gunning for the Presidency for BF was a very chancy move. He has the qualification and dedication but election requires more in our system. Now, he becomes a very potent candidate for his chosen position. This also true with Dick. A very wise move and I wish them the best.

Frederick — I have always admired the work ethic of Richard Gordon and Bayani Fernando. They have shown “leadership by example” and “servant leadership” whatever position they were entrusted to. Even before they were still Mayors, I have been following them, hoping that someday leaders like them would multiply. I am from Bacolod City, sometimes I am “wishfully thinking” they could be our leaders here. With them, trying their chances in the top two positions, I and my colleagues here are excited of the possibility. They may not “look” presidential and vice presidential material, but they have a work ethic that is unquestionable and contagious, it inspires. They may not be popular among the poor sector and the militants, but they could not question how they pursue what they are mandated to do. They may not be considered as serious contenders, but when they speak, it’s backed with a track record that is solid. They may not appear to be meek and humble, but their boastings and confidence in themselves are true. In you saying that they are “the correct choice but unwise” — that came to my mind as well. But then, in choosing them, I may have a better peace of mind than to be haunted with a choice I might regret later. So, choosing them is really by faith. Faith that people like you would likely consider. Then, we’ll wait for a miracle.

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