Are we ready for change?
- Ang Kapatiran, Comelec, Eleksyon 2007 Podcast -
By Joy Konstantine Agustin
THE news about Among Ed Panlilio running for President literally created a buzz over the country’s political landscape. Activists hoorayed. Traditional politicians booed. Church leaders are divided. The bloggers are skeptical.
Among Ed running for president? Come on! I mean, seriously?!
Let’s face it. Minutes after Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio disclosed to the public that he is taking a shot at the highest post in the country, people had mixed opinions about his intentions.
As what usually happens when someone announces his intentions to run for a public office, rumors of incapability, allegations of corruption, and bad reputations start to swell and prematurely stop, if not to kill, the momentous announcement.
Yes, the voting populace is becoming more mature in choosing a candidate. We have witnessed how popular candidates lost in the 2007 elections. But as people become more mature, they start to dig deeper. They do their research. They watch the news, read the papers. They see the good and the bad sides.
And here we are, being presented an alternative and reform candidate who made a phenomenal entrance in the political scenery when he toppled and won over the political giants in Pampanga. And here we are, being presented the various reactions from seasoned politicians, political analysts and survey results that tend to help (or disturb) the way we choose our leaders.
The people clamor for change. The people have long wanted for an alternative and reform candidate to emerge and bid for the presidential post.
We want it.
But are we bold enough to choose correctly? Are we really ready?
