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?

Kontribusyon ni Eric Manalang, Ang Kapatiran Party

(Isinulat sa Filipino para sa buwan ng wika)

Sa maraming lugar sa Pilipinas at sa labas na rin, dumarami ang nagsasama-samang mga grupo upang bigyan ng boses at aksyon ang nadaramang sakit sa tiyan, puso, bulsa at kung ano pa patungkol sa lalong lumalalang krisis sa ating minamahal na bayan.

Sumasama na rin ang mga nag-oorganisang mga simbahan, laiko, pulitiko, estudyante, overseas pinoys, negosyante, nakakubling opisyal ng pamahalaan, nakalantad na dating mga opisyal, pulis at sundalo at maaring maraming iba pa.

Lahat hinahangad ang PAGBABAGO…Kaya?

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A NEWSPAPER columnist once likened Ang Kapatiran’s uphill olitical struggle to that of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Yes, the attle of Thermopylae highlighted in a grand manner a people’s stand for alor and dignity. More[over], it emphasized the importance of severe planning and intelligent pride in waging a campaign.

In the end, King Leonidas would have benefited much from this wisdom. His enlightenment came severely late. It takes more than good intentions to join an electoral contest; you must be in it to win –to paraphrase an American presidential contender. You must fire up the passions of your listeners and followers, and bring them to some fruition of your expressed ideals.

The young voters of this day are not as idealistic as those of our time. They have a need to envisage a clear path to results. A true sign of this determination is an effectively waged campaign. I am indeed disappointed to hear Ang Kapatiran candidates proclaim they intentionally avoid resorting to traditional ways of campaigning. Traditions of politics have paved the way for even the most non-traditional political ideas. What is most important is to get the message and inspiration across.

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A SIMPLE response to a mammoth challenge this fellow-balikbayan doctor [Martin Bautista] has taken upon himself: sir, more power to Davids like you, who, rightly, have sprung the conventional box, and dare the “windmills.”

Like you, I was thought to be a nitwit when I returned to the Philippines from 38 years in Europe. I chose to stay in Mindanao for the very same reasons you’re trying to wake up this turpid nation of otherwise, warm, good people.

Sir, I’m already campaigning for your party. May more wake up and do something about it, this time. Thank you– from a small but significant spark of a sector of our nation.

– Dra. Georgie Obusan-Roos, Lagao, General Santos City (via e-mail)