Senator To Run For President with A Left-Wing Party?

Sounds like a tabloid post? You may have read that the good senator plans to run as an independent in the upcoming 2010 Presidential Elections. Perhaps but analyze with me for a moment.

Sen. Escudero's sudden departure with the second largest party left a lot of voters wondering what he is up to. He made remarks that frowned a lot of members of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition when he said that anyone who wants to become president would not be able to perform his job if his hands and feet are tied and his eyes are blindfolded, "At lalong hindi dapat magdesisyon base sa dinidikta ng interes ng iisang grupo, partido o tao lamang (And he cannot decide based on the interest of only one group or party or person)."

I liked that remark because it's new and radical. It mirrors Sen. Obama's remarks that became his political platform when he ran for president last year. And speaking of radical, militants applaud Sen. Chiz's move - something you don't expect them to say this early on. Lastly, the biggest hint I got was when I read this Philippine Daily Inquirer article, "Escudero's Radical Positions Caused Split With NPC."

Sen. Escudero is young, idealistic, radical, courageous, and perhaps the most progressive politician we've seen in decades. However, we don't know if his political aspirations and moves will bear fruit. I'm not privy to any dealings he has with any of the militant political parties but if you were to analyze his moves and his stand on social issues, you might be inclined to say that he may indeed run for one of the militant party groups we have in the country.

His progressive stand cannot match any of the big political parties we have in the country.

The question is, will he coalesce with these party groups when in fact businesses and special interest sectors frown at these left-wing mainstays? You can be sure he will not have the support of the business sectors if he becomes a member of any of these groups. If this happens, the biggest support he may have will come from the provinces, the young voters, the marginalized sectors, and the disillusioned groups of our society. That may account for a lot of votes.

So whatever his decision is, I'm sure it will not be presidential campaign as usual for those who will run for the highest office in the land. As for him, he needs to overcome other opposition groups who may take more votes from him. Is Erap blocking his way? That remains to be seen. It also leaves me wondering what he plans to do to get campaign funds when in fact - the businesses - have the money to mobilize campaigns in this country. This will even be a bigger problem if he runs as an independent. Also, the militant party-list groups already have a network of members to speak of. This is something he can tap. However, do people from the provinces trust him? That also remains to be see. Interesting isn't it??

But then again, this is just my view.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to John Ryan Recabar for Sen. Chiz image

Announcement blew Administration's cover

The recent pronouncements of businessman and political analyst Tony Gatmaitan is making Malacañang uneasy and it's seriously checking it's so-called "coaltion ship" to see if it has holes, leaks, or damages before it sets sail for the biggest test in its political life.

Gabriel Claudio, presidential political adviser, said that there is no truth to the news that Mr. Gatmaitan announced recently that revealed some of the Vice President's plans. The deal is done with Mr. de Castro according to Mr. Claudio and even revealed that no less than Pres. Arroyo will preside in a merger conference between the ruling Lakas party and the Kampi (Partner of the Free People) later this month. This will eventually pave the way in announcing who the Administration's standard bearer is for the 2010 General Elections.

It's funny to see how the government reacted with the announcement and belie Mr. Gatmaitan's claim, "Kuwentong Barbero," the political adviser said. However, I see it differently. Here are some points I saw after reading the article:

1. Malacañang virtually dropped Sec. Teodoro, Sec. Fernando, and Sec. Puno for the contention and installed Mr. de Castro as the palace's top bet.

2. That Mr. de Castro would rather run under the Administration ticket than with another political party. Says who? Who is more of an asset? Mr. de Castro right?

3. That Mr. de Castro's clean public image and 'masa' appeal will help the government make the elecotrate forget about the corruption charges leveled against them by different public and private sectors. That idea is fiction.

What does this all mean? Mr. Claudio basically blew the administration's cover and now the plans are made known to the opposition and even Mr. de Castro himself. It showed Mr. de Castro's true worth in the eyes of the present administration. He can now use this to his benefit. Now, the tables are turned and Mr. de Castro has the aces he needs to be the standard bearer of the administration's party, his party, or even make his political party as the third force in making sure he gets to call the shots too.

Whoever hatched this plan is a genius and Malacañang fell for the trap.


Thank you footnotes:
Photo by: PIA