No to Pnoy’s Running Again
It was on August 13, 2014 that President Aquino made the confirmation that he is open to running again in the 2016 presidential elections. I cannot remember the other times that he made similar statements though..
On September 30,2014, a movement calling itself as Movement for Reform, Continuity and Momentum (More2Come) occupied a full page propaganda in two national broadsheets urging President Aquino to seek a second term alleging and emphasizing “in order to make sure that the country stays on course, on the right road and headed for continued Growth and Reform. “We must maintain the MOMENTUM AND CONTINUITY!”,the More2Come further asserted.
Malacañang was quick to deny any hand and involvement in the More2Come propaganda albeit certain members of the Opposition were quick to raise doubt on the denial.
The third to the last paragraph of the More2Come propaganda emphasized, thus: “We understand that reelection is almost the greatest sacrifice PNOY can make for our country but then again, he is no stranger to sacrifice on behalf of this country. Such is the way of “Matuwid na Daan”.
The propaganda, trying to convince the readers and audience that the country stands in the threshold of Growth and Reform and boasting with : “ -7 successive quarters of 7-percent growth - a sterling investment-grade international credit rating -a buoyant domestic economic brimming with investor confidence - major reforms in fiscal and budgetary policies resulting in sizeable government savings, greater efficiencies, and lessened opportunities for graft and corruption.”, further asserted:
“ It seems that PNOY is still the BEST and ONLY SUCCESSOR.”
The propaganda is understandable from the point of praising the subject and raising him to high heavens. It can beat-ify the subject as blessed among men or even proposed for his canonization as a living saint! Just joking! The Philippines is not new to this kind of propaganda though.
As I write this, banner headlined in the October 3, 2014 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer is “ ‘Bosses’ say no to P-Noy 2” with the sub heading “Survey says 62 percent oppose second term for Aquino”.
Citing the Pulse Asia survey, “Six in 10 Filipinos are not in favor of President Aquino running for the presidency in 2016 should the Constitution be amended to allow his reelection.
So there. We do hope that we can put an end to the issue. But can certain sectors who idolize Pnoy remain silent? What about More2Come? Proudly, the movement stressed: “The Barangays, with the vigorous support of various cause oriented groups, major civic, business and religious organizations will be the lead players of this effort.
More2Come did not capitulate. It even boastfully announced for a two million signature campaign for Pinoy’s second term and debunked Pulse Asia’s survey.
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I do hope I have the luxury of time to re-read a 2004 book titled :” The Rulemakers” authored by Sheila S. Coronel, Yvonne T. Chua, Luz Rimban and Booma B. Cruz.
The book is about how the wealthy and well-born dominate Congress.
It studies the perks of lawmaking, the love of pork and search for alternatives.
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We are prone to quote the oft repeated statement that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
There are others who have different views about power. Note for, instance John Steinbeck who said : “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts, perhaps the fear of a loss of power.” Will and Ariel Durant has this to say :
“Power dements event more than it corrupts, lowering the guard of foresight and raising the haste of action.” /MP
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