Unfazed?

12/16/2008

Even as Malacañang tries to create the impression that Gloria Arroyo is unfazed by the unification of opposition forces against Charter change (Cha-cha), it is evident, however, that Friday’s rally did unnerve the Palace and its occupants. They only know too well that while the rally wasn’t going to topple her and her government, they also realize that this could be a start of a movement that could create more political problems for her.

After all, the rallies were not massive at the start of the protest against then President Ferdinand Marcos. It took a bit of time, but in the end, he was toppled.

The fact alone that Malacañang came out to state it will soon be coming out with a list of its candidates for the 2010 presidential polls was a dead giveaway of the concern the Palace has over the strengthening of the anti-Cha-cha forces.

A day after the Friday rally, Malacañang, through Presidential Management chief Cerge Remonde said a list was already being readied for the Malacañang bets, which would include Cabinet members.

Yet the usual line of the Palace is for politics to be placed in the backburner because what was important is to focus on the economy.

So why introduce the issue of the 2010 polls at this particular time?

It’s fairly easy to divine the Palace ploy.

The chant of the anti-Cha-cha groups is for no Cha-cha, and no term extensions for Gloria and all elective officials, along with the call of no poll postponement.

By bringing up the matter of a list of administration candidates for the 2010 polls, Malacañang is trying very hard to generate the impression that indeed, Gloria is stepping down in 2010, when her term is up.

At the same time, Gloria is also making it clear that Cha-cha will push through, via the Constituent Assembly, as she said that Cha-cha is the business of Congress and additionally, the same spiel of economic provisions being needed at this time is also stressed.

But who believes Gloria’s line of already readying a list of candidates for the 2010 polls?

Even if Malacañang refuses to admit it, there really isn’t any strong presidential candidate, or for that matter, senatorial candidates that can bring victory to the administration party — whether it is Kampi or Lakas.

As things stand today, even Lakas is said to be mulling the adoption of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. as its presidential candidate. Apparently, neither Lakas nor Kampi is thinking of getting Vice President Noli de Castro as a potential presidential bet.

But that’s also because De Castro has been playing coy, making it appear that he is not interested in the presidency and that he does not belong to any political party.

Unfortunately for De Castro, in presidential surveys, although admittedly, these are much too early and are not indicative of the real strength and popularity of the listed presidentiables, his ratings are also going downhill.

But Malacañang also knows that, as Gloria is definitely the most unpopular Philippine President ever, her endorsement will be a kiss of death for her anointed.

This was too much in evidence during the 2007 senatorial elections, where most of her candidates were slaughtered at the polls. There was even a lot of cheating done to get some of her senatorial bets to win.

And it is also no secret that she even lured some opposition senatorial bets to her administration camp to score a victory, but unfortunately for them, being identified with the Gloria team also cost them their loss in the polls.

So who else can Malacañang tap for the senatorial slate and its standard bearer? Members of her Cabinet? But too many of them have already been embroiled in too many scandals and scams and are not likely to have a chance of winning.

But it is such a losing proposition for Gloria to even get a bet of hers who can provide her presidential protection after 2010, which is why she continues to cling to Cha-cha.

Back to top

For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph
The Daily Tribune © 2006