Pernicious ‘fever’

A YEAR and nine months before the upcoming presidential elections, politicians are already creating their own buzzes, as if to catch the attention of the public – there are those who are clear of their intentions of running for the top position, while others are still in the process of grooming their image through ‘charitable’ works, showcasing their witty side and ‘kapogian’ beyond their barong and suits.
However, many people were shocked to see a growing community on Facebook urging the president to extend his term. “One more term for Pres. Aquino to continuously fight graft and corruption and the big bully China!,” One More Term for PNoy says in its Facebook page.
The campaign was backed by Aquino’s running mate in the 2010 polls, now DILG secretary, Mar Roxas.
In an exclusive interview with ANC’s “Beyond Politics,” Roxas indirectly answered the question on whether he will likely be Aquino’s anointed candidate in the next presidential election.
The DILG secretary revealed that he rather want Aquino to extend his term and continue his ‘tuwid na daan’ governance.
“Kung ako lang ang tatanungin — at ito walang pahintulot sa Pangulo ito, wala ring konsultasyon sa partido ko ito, ito ako lang ito — dapat mas mahaba ang termino ni Pangulong PNoy kasi nakita na natin kung saan niya tayo dinala. At sino pa ba kundi siya ang pinakamabuti, pinakamahusay na makapagpatuloy nito,” he said.
Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. assured the nation that the President has no intention of staying in power beyond his term but in a different circumstance, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte contradicted it.  She said Aquino “could still change his mind and may ultimately give in to the wishes of his ‘bosses’, the people.”
“In 2009 Senator Aquino sought the presidency as a response to calls from the people. He has consistently held the people to be his bosses,” Valte recalled. “That has not changed fro the President, and he continues to hold fast to this, today.”
Moreover, Valte clarified that Malacañang would no stop allies of President Aquino in the House of Representative from legislating a term extension for presidents.
Vice-President Jejomar Binay called the campaign for PNoy’s re-election, ‘selfish’. “It was a selfish proposal to begin with, motivated more by personal rather than national interest. It was also unfair to the President. The proposal put him on the spot and made him the object of criticisms, which he doesn’t deserve.”
“I am certain President Noynoy will follow the sterling example of his mother,” referring to former Pres. Cory’s reminder to Fidel Ramos’ attempt to amend the Constitution that “there’s life after the presidency.”
Joining the circus of reactions, militant group Bayan expressed their dismay over the re-election issue.
“It is bereft of any legal basis. It is oblivious to the rising tide of discontent over Aquino and his pork barrel funds. It wrongly presumes that Aquino is God’s gift to the Filipino people and that it is in our best interest to keep him in power, perhaps forever,” Renato Reyes Jr., the group’s secretary general, said.
The group insisted that the campaign is a diversionary tactic for the public to forget about the Disbursement Acceleration Program issue.
Roughly two years before the presidential poll, the country is already experiencing the contagious election fever. In reality, there are more things to focus on rather than the election.
As promised, the president’s reform of the government is not even half way to its goal. These last two years may be the perfect timing to achieve his plans, cooperating with the aspiring presidents of the country.
At the end of the day, there should only be one goal for every presidential hopeful: the welfare of the Filipinos. And if that is truly his or her agenda, then there should not be bashing and clashing of political parties, throwing issues at each other, or confusing the public.
Nothing is more enticing than a leader who fills the position well. This may be a campaign strategy beneficial to both the politician and the public.
Instead of extending Pres. Aquino’s term — which in reality is Constitutionally impossible — he should make the most of the remaining time. Yes, the president may have done remarkable things that no other president can do, but his time is slowly expiring.
Extend the legacy, and not the president’s stay in the palace.
(AJPress)