THE stage is set, the race has begun and the political arena is now officially abuzz with activity.
November 30 is Bonifacio Day, an official holiday in the Philippines. This year, it has become even more festive, turning into an all-out political fiesta, filled with merry-making and cheers from Filipinos who came in droves to witness the filing of candidacy of three top presidential bets – Senator Manny Villar, former President Joseph Estrada and evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva.
And what better way to mark their candidacy than to associate it with a very significant day – when Filipinos commemorate one of the nation’s most beloved heroes – Andres Bonifacio.
"Bonifacio is known to be the revolutionary hero who rose among the masses, maybe that is why they wanted to file their candidacies on November 30 (Monday) so it becomes symbolic," says Comelec Legal Chief Ferdinand Rafanan.
"This signals the beginning of the campaign circus as 2010 candidates would soon become entertainers themselves – singing and dancing in front of voters during campaigns," Rafanan further quipped.
A flurry of party colors added a more carnivalesque touch to the occasion -- orange for Estrada and Villar, yellow for Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino and Jesus is Lord founder Villanueva; and green for actor-turned-politician Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Lakas-Kampi standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro.
The 2010 elections has also become a face-off venue between the country’s top rival universities, with Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas representing Ateneo de Manila, and Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro and Edu Manzano representing De La Salle University.
But beyond the merry-making and festivities, this also marks the beginning of what is perhaps the most grueling phase of the 2010 elections -- the campaign period, the defining moment where all efforts and finances are exhausted, where platforms are showcased and where a battle of wits is mandatory.
Indeed, politics is a downright dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Let’s see who’ll get to the finish line first. (AJPress)
( Published December 2, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A6 )
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