If you still don’t think that the election fever hasn’t infected the metropolis, then the recent SWS survey instigated by Makati Business Club members, which indicated that Sen. Noynoy Aquino leads the other candidates in popularity with 50 percent (a first for any presidential candidate ever, it is said, especially one who had yet to declare his intention to run at the time of the survey) should put your nose practically in it.
Of course, many similar surveys have already come and gone. Informal ones in the Internet are the most amusing by far, but just like these, commissioned ones cannot be depended upon to reveal a candidate’s true "winnability."
By now, most people agree that the Noynoy-positive survey conducted in some areas of Luzon leaves much to be desired in terms of credibility. Questions have arisen over the coverage of the survey, as well as the demographic picture, among others. While those in Metro Manila might get a sense of the support behind Cory’s only son, it is far too premature to conclude the same thing about other provinces in the Philippines.
As far as the political game goes, however, it seems this publicity venture can be regarded a success for those backing the Liberal Party standard bearer. As Tribune columnist Ambassador Ernesto Maceda said in his column yesterday, "Round one for Noynoy."
For those who are not as politically adept, however, the "game" of politics can only ever be judged by common sense and gut feel. It may be hard to explain to point out the cause, but whatever one sees or hears may result in some reaction that can range from interest to disbelief.
Right now it all feels like dirty politics — as in mucky, filthy, offensive politics — where ambitious career politicos saunter into the fray, demanding their due; where timing is everything when propagating one’s image or one’s vested interest; where money oils the gears; and where principle is set aside "for the meantime" or at least until one wins the goal.
What we have are paguwapos and pa-cutes, on the surface, but with backstabbing brigades at their disposal, tasked to rake up dirt or embed little seeds of doubt about their opponents in the minds of the public.
If you’re not familiar with how it’s done, you can bet your golly wow that you have already seen it at work, from the Villar camp expostulating over the sudden and overwhelming rise in Noynoy’s popularity, to Sen. Ping Lacson, who spoke daggers against his former boss, the still undeniably popular former President Joseph Estrada, in two privilege speeches recently.
As our dear senators get busy with their individual battles, some evil minds might be plotting to put one over the Upper House, or perhaps cause more splinters in the Arroyo opposition, which is far from solid as we can all see.
Meanwhile, all we can do is observe the way would-be presidents are behaving these days, and wonder anew at the reason Senator Lacson has chosen now, of all times, to rake the coals over Erap.
And maybe now would be a good time for us to pray for wisdom and guidance.
