When the smoke clears SHE SAYS Dinah S. Ventura 05/19/2010

When the smoke clears

SHE SAYS Dinah S. Ventura 05/19/2010 Just days after the first automated polls in our country, it became quite clear that Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino would end up in Malacañang. Maintaining a comfortable lead over his unforeseen rival, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Aquino is now largely seen as the next president of the Philippines. These days, the son of two famous modern heroes is both hailed and crowned with plenty of thorns. His supporters defend criticisms of a perceived “weak” leadership, which are based mostly on his 12 (some say “unimpressive”) years in public office. Even now, talk is rife about the future battles he may have to wage in politics, starting with the fact that his predecessor, President Gloria Arroyo, has secured for herself a seat in Congress and is rumored to be eyeing the Speakership. Also, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, wife of the president who was booted out when Cory Aquino came into power, is now also a congressman, elected to her post at the age of 80. The Marcoses, generally perceived as enemies of the Aquino family, are in power again, with Imee as governor and Bongbong in the Senate. What could this mean for the next president of the Philippines? Political observers say this could mean that Aquino will have a hard time accomplishing his goals if he faces opposition from Congress. Eventually, they add, an Arroyo-led House could work toward a Charter change, where a new form of government would make Gloria the Prime Minister.... MORE   Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100519com7.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Different Aquino dog, same Gloria collar FRONTLINE Empty threats ANALYSIS Brazil’s Lula may have ‘scored a goal’ on Iran MR. EXPOSE Proof of cheating mounts focus Underwater oil plumes could create new ‘dead zone’ in Gulf HE SAYS A Noynoy presidency SHE SAYS When the smoke clears