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The people have spoken, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is now proclaimed as the 15th President of the Philippine Republic.
Does Noynoy really have the capacity to carry out his campaign promises into reality? Can he stamp out corruption? Can he alleviate the plight of the poor in this country? In America, they would say, will he really walk the talk? Or are we to see a repeat of the same old familiar faces with the same old familiar routine in government?
For the commeration of Independence Day, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spent 10 million pesos to fund 10 floats highlighting the achievements of her administration. This is her Swan Song, and the profligate spending on floats is just a clear indication of her lack of sensitivity to the abject poverty of the majority of the urban and rural poor comprising 70 percent of the population.
It is often said that if indeed people can see her achievements and feel its effects on their daily life, there is no need to have floats costing a million each, when such amount could be spent on more worthy causes.
Thus, appearances are the most important issue to the outgoing PGMA government.
This is a study in contrast, Noynoy seen in his “awshucks” stance, with his sister Kris having to correct his sartorial sense as he does not really care about appearances. It is said that walang nagawa and walang alam si Noynoy sounds familiar. This is a two edged presumption which will go either way — he can be effective because he is a clean slate, with no discernible agenda. Or he can be manipulated by people around him who are now fighting for lucrative posts.
Reflecting on the significance of Independence Day, Noynoy should take it to heart that he is the President of this appointments to the Cabinet as a springboard to unite the nation towards the path to sustainable development.
More than ever, Noynoy needs People Power, the support of the people, to push reforms. He needs all of us to fight corruption, which have metastasized into unbelievable proportions due to the mismanagement and greed of the past.
Rome was not built in a day, and if we are to move forward, we hope and pray that we are all ready to take our place and step up as citizens of an independent republican nation.
Congratulations and good luck to President-elect Noynoy Aquino!
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