Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

THE 2010 elections is beginning to take shape, and at a rapid pace. As early as last year, aspirants for the 2010 presidential elections have come out of the woodwork. But as we draw closer to May 2010, the process of elimination is whittling the list down to a reasonable size.

With the emergence of a younger crop of presidentiables with highlyimpressive credentials, the May 2010 elections will defi nitely offer a fresher perspective, a bevy of equally competent candidates that will necessitate critical thinking and careful selection among Filipino voters who have gotten used to the usual fare of traditional politicians with the same empty promises and showbiz personalities who hide their lack of political know-how with their charisma, popularity and good looks.

The country will defi nitely have a refreshingly new kind of election next year.

Three distinctive men have been hogging the headlines(and the surveys)lately, and with good reason. Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. (The Nacionalista Party), Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party), and DND Sec. Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro (LAKAS-CMD) adhere to different political views, and offer different perspectives for the future of our country.

Senator Manny Villar is famous for spearheading the entrepreneurial revolution, a goal that he has set and is advocating for the country to achieve. He believes a long-term solution to our economic woes is to persuade more people to set up businesses, despite the government’s rather inept system for business registration and maintenance.

Despite his initial reluctance, Sen. Noynoy Aquino has also graced the presidentiables list, after Sen. Mar Roxas gave up his shot for the presidency to have Noynoy take his place. The tandem has expressed their intention for "honest, clean and selfl ess" governance. Noynoy is all about championing change and reliving the heroic legacy of his parents, Cory and Ninoy.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited standard bearer for LAKAS-CMD has fi nally been unveiled – Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Noynoy’s cousin, with his Harvard education will defi nitely be a force to reckon with.

Three candidates with vast potentials and capabilities will be among those contending for the highest position in the land. Who will be able to fulfi ll the role towards what Filipinos are aiming for? Pinoys are clamoring for a governance that will bring new hope, implement change and revive the country’s dying political credibility.

Villar, Aquino and Teodoro have yet to state their intentions for the country. They are equipped with their own strengths and they all need to work on their weaknesses.

With eight months left to exhaust their resources and energy for their campaigning efforts, may the best man (and the best leader) win. And may Filipino voters, both in the Philippines and around the world, take this opportunity to vote in the 2010 presidential elections with a more critical mind and a nationalistic heart. (AJPress)