Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Editorial: Mar for president
NOW it can be told, Senator Mar Roxas will be the official candidate of the Liberal Party for president in 2010 presidential election.
On television last night, it can be seen that political "bigwigs" in the country were in a party that ushered for the official endorsement of Mar for President.
These include former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino and former Senate Presidents Jovito Salongga and Franklin Drilon, among others.
Aside from the members of the Liberal Party (LP), there were also some people from both the opposition and administration who witnessed Mar's endorsement. Meaning there's no more stopping Mar's plan to run for president.
By hook or by crook, he will be among the formidable candidates for president in the country two and a half years from now.
Although it's too early yet for a meaty position as President, no doubt Mar and his party need now to condition the minds of the people that he's running.
And mind conditioning is important, and probably the camp of Roxas simply wants to instill in the mind of the Filipino people that from now on, he's ready to be President of the country.
Good strategy.
However, Mar should also prepare for the black propa against him now that he openly declared his bid for presidency.
This, as his potential rival or rivals now have reason to start launching attacks against him, either political or personal in nature.
Although Mar is perceived to be one person who has the clean image, yet some people who will go out of their way just to "ruin" him.
Even his alleged past relationship with somebody in Capiz, with whom he has a child, and his present romance with TV personality Korina Sanchez might be given bad publicity.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that one of Mar's potential rivals will be incumbent Senate President Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party. And in terms of political machineries, popularity, among other aspects to be considered, Villar could really equal Mar.
And if the Mar-Villar tiff happens soon, no doubt that it will be the toughest and most exciting battle for presidency that will ever happen in the country's history.
And the most awaited part will be the endorsement of both President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Erap Estrada.
Who will be President Arroyo's bet? And who will be Erap's choice?
