Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Mercado: The Presidential derby By Ram Mercado First Person
GMA's prospective 2010 ticket appears to be the "dejado" but one, but no one can underestimate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who has the knack of pulling a miracle during crucial moments.
The future of Pampanga is at stake in the next presidential elections. With our cabalen President in Malacañang, development efforts in the province, particularly, are secured, with new and increasing landmark projects forthcoming.
President Arroyo is scouting far and wide, searching within the depths and reach of her political resources for the administration's 2010 candidates for president and vice president.
Her choices will be fitted against formidable and well entrenched opponents, the seeded expected entrees in the nation's largest poll derby.
Secretary Ed Pamintuan, her political adviser in Pampanga and Region 3, believed that fresh, new, and dynamic leaders who could be non-traditional political figures may form the winning combination in the historic race.
Early starter, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas III has been making the rounds. Former President Cory Aquino is reportedly putting up her son, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino as Roxas's running mate.
The latest gravevine report, however, cited Senator Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan as the better choice for the vice presidential slot for the Liberal Party.
Already, being intrigued with the President is business and civic leader, and Presidential friend, Tess Laus, wife of CDC President and chief executive officer (CEO) Levy Laus, prime movers of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
It was President GMA herself who introduced the Laus couple to Senator Roxas in former years.
Roxas, who was approached for support in the conversion of Clark to a Freeport status, as well as for legislative measures protecting investments at the Economic Zone, came recently to Pampanga upon invitation of ADCL chairman Rene Romero, certainly for assistance on Romero's advocacies. One of the welcomers at the local radio TV station was Laus.
For this reason, Laus kept tongues wagging. If I know the couple, Pres. Levy especially who is an apolitical corporate man, the couple will stick to PGMA and will remain loyal to the end.
President Laus, in a lavish reception held for Pampanga media December 17 appealed to the guests, active communicators all, to throw all support and encouragement to PGMA, as no other Kapampangan leader of her talent and vision appears yet in sight and ascend to highest position that a nation can bestow on any Filipino.
"Our future is in her hands," he said, citing development efforts at Clark, and the birth of an industrial corridor in Central and Northern Luzon.
Expensive gift items and household appliances were raffled off to the media workers after a sumptuous luncheon at Fontana Resort's convention hall, to make up understandingly for the low-key and modest gift giving to the media guests of the President during the press club induction December 14 at the Bahay na Puti.
Clark organizer of her visit had prepared sizeable cash gifts to the media workers, reports filtered out, "but the plan was scuttled for fear of later accusations of bribery against PGMA," Secretary Pamintuan was quoted by journalists.
Meanwhile, PGMA has set her eyes on Vice President Noli de Castro and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando as among the new and non-traditional politicians who are being considered to form the administration party.
Chairman Bayani's photo, with capsule bio-data was circulated to delegates of the Publishers Association of the Philippines national congress at Oxford Hotel. His battle cry "Pagbabago sa Kapaligiran, Pagbabago sa Kaisipan."
"Metro Gwapo", Tao Ganado, says the blurb: Walang Sagabal; Walang Kalat. Walang Pook na Bulok. Walang Sakit. Walang Mabaho. Walang Bastos. Kaisa-The Metro Way.
The third party in the derby could be Senator Manuel Villar, for president; Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for vice president. It appears that Noynoy Aquino could be beaten by Jinggoy for the second top position with the Great Erap campaigning for his son.
Thus Senator Kiko Pangilinan has been thought of to be the best partner for Roxas. Kiko will match Jinggoy's drawing power with wife Sharon, a terrific campaigner and darling of the masses.
GMA's prospective 2010 ticket appears to be the "dejado" but one, but no one can underestimate. Arroyo who has the knack of pulling a miracle during crucial moments. When all the aces in the poker game seemed to be in the hands of her opponents, she holds the record of pulling out the "trump card", the winning one, to clinch the game.
"What's important at this stage is for all of us Pampanga to unite in defending the righteous causes of President Arroyo, desist from joining strident voices against her, and pray for her continued service to the nation and our province," Mabalacat Mayor Boking Morales appealed to local media in a press conference.
In my brief response during the Laus's party for media people last Monday, I asked my colleagues to inspire PGMA in the remaining period of her term and give her more strength by our support and affection.
"Let's hope she finds the winning combination for 2010 to assure the solid gains made for our people," Secretary Pamintuan was optimistic of future progress in Pampanga.
