It was all about credibility

Now that it's already getting quiet in the political front observers like me are inclined to look into the implications of what happened on May 10. Of interest is the question: Why the big win for Aquino?

Although survey figures had consistency marked him the front runner, the other presidentiables - Villar, Estrada, and Teodoro - were expected to put up a fight. What happened, however, was a complete rout, except for the former president whose eight million votes, although far behind those of Aquino, were remarkably impressive.

People voted for Aquino not because they perceived him to be the most competent and intellectually superior candidate (it's actually Teodoro who has these qualities) but because they found his platform — "Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap" — very credible and compelling. Viewed against the backdrop of President Arroyo's scandal-ridden leadership and of the country's decrepit economic status, that slogan hit the Filipino right in the gut. The tens of millions of unemployed and underemployed whose families are on a scratch and dig affair, the millions of marginal farmers and fishermen and the more than nine million OFWs who were forced to leave their loved ones behind - these heard Aquino's call for change, and they went to the polls with that call ringing loud in their ears.

That call plus the perception of Aquino's unblemished record as a member of the lower and upper houses of Congress sounded credible and inspiring. Thus in that skirmish for popular acceptance, he emerged as Mr. Clean, a kind of messiah for good governance, an image reinforced in his tv footages with his immaculate outfit. In the shots repeatedly shown every few minutes towards the last few days of his campaign, he was pictured (together with his runningmate at first, but later by himself only) like the good angel urging people to take the straight way. Who can resist the urge to say Amen?

Amen, because Noynoy was the son of Cory Aquino whose presidency was looked upon as an exemplar of probity and transparency. And another Amen because divine intervention, many believe, made his mother instrumental in putting an end to the dictator's reign. For this the country owes her a debt of gratitude and now that she is gone, who should deserve its utang-na-loob but her son?

On the issue of change, his rivals harped on it only tangentially. While Estrada and Villar were obsessed with identifying themselves with the poor, they failed to convey the message of what they would do to get the poor off their hovels. As for Gibo, his high level abstractions on ideal leadership appealed only to the academic crowd but fell flat on the struggling masa.

But even if Aquino's contenders pursued the issue of change persistently, it was doubtful if the people would believe them. It was actually a question of credibility, not so much of capability. Villar, with his successful entrepreneurship credentials, appears to be the right guy when it comes to beefing up the economy. Estrada, with his ample exposure to public governance seems capable of crafting an effective pro-poor program. But with doubtful credibility their advocacy of change would not have been as effective as Aquino's.

Even from the start Villar's candidacy was marred by the C-5 controversy. Despite his denial, the suspicion of malfeasance persisted. Then the alleged fraud on his housing projects exploded and his acceptance rating exploded too. Estrada appeared to have a second wind in the last mile of the race. The recounting of his achievements although based on half-truths seemed convincing. His pang-Masa initiatives during his presidency touched many tv viewers - which explains why he soared way past Villar and Teodoro in the latest official tally.

Credibility was what these two also-run aspirants lacked. So how could the people accept their promise of better government?

Credibility however, spiced with sentimentality, worked strongly for Aquino. The people's choice may not be the best. But what can you expect from a nation thirsting for a cleaner leadership and a better government?

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