Noy, a Hardliner

Finally, President – elect Noy was proclaimed last Wednesday, June 9, a month after the first automated election. Not bad. At last we have decided to embrace the new future despite the fears that the opposition instilled in us. Although, I think it made us all wary and extra cautious of the election. It made us all watchful of things. The success of the 2010 presidential elections was made possible because everybody contributed to it - the COMELEC, SMARTMATIC, teachers, volunteers and the Filipino electorate. Congratulations to all of us!

Now it is time to get to business. I did not vote for Noy. I just wanted to make it clear. I have doubts as to his ability to govern because he has achieved nothing in the past that would make me think that he now deserves the presidency. There was nothing in his track record that is stellar or extra ordinary. He is practically just the namesake of the famous senator and he just happens to be the son of the most, well-loved president of this country. But Noy has no distinct qualities or achievements that he can call his own that would identify him or set him apart from that of his parents. He is lucky for he had parents who championed for freedom, democracy and transparency. Relying solely on his performance would not have brought him to the presidency.

During the press con, right after his proclamation, Noy answered all sorts of questions; some were merely reiterations of the others. Quite honestly I was kind of impressed how dignified and how president-like his answers were. He was assertive and he appeared to be in full control. However, just like the way I thought, he again chose another controversial issue. This time, his eyes turned to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. When asked if he would retain General Bangit, his answer was a categorical No. Don’t get me wrong. He is within his power not to reappoint Gen. Bangit but to give due respect to an institution he should have retained the General. He is about to retire, anyways. I could imagine how the AFP felt that time. I’m not sure if President Aquino gained the trust and admiration of the AFP because of what he did. One thing is for sure though – one influential high ranking military officer didn’t like what he did. Count him out if in the future you will need his support. He is a soldier, yes, but he too is a person, a human being, very capable of feeling embarrassed and humiliated. General Bangit is a “casualty” in the battle called politics. It’s a pity that the AFP is dragged into politics again. Too bad for the general, the Filipino people elected someone like Noy – a hardliner.

When he ran for the office of the President, he was very unequivocal when he said he will not recognize the Chief Justice who will be appointed by the sitting president. Because of that he lost my vote. It is my view that it was too divisive an opinion and quite disrespectful to a co equal and independent branch of government - the judiciary. The sitting president though, as stubborn as she is, appointed the current CJ. And Noy, as hard liner as he is, declared that he’d rather be sworn in by a Barangay Captain than by a CJ that he doesn’t believe in. That was before. Now, Noy is saying it will be by the lone dissenter in the Supreme Court. Why can’t he just give it up for the sake of unity? Well, it’s his choice after all he is the most powerful person in this country. But the question is, will he survive?