Distribution of Hot Meals A Must For Typhoon Ondoy Victims

As simple as it is, but the distribution of hot meals should be a top priority in the relief effort for Filipino victims of Typhoon Ondoy's wrath. There are now around 374,000 Filipinos who are reported to be billeted in evacuation centers scattered around the Greater Manila region and other areas in Luzon. Their homes are either destroyed or unlivable due to rampaging flood waters brought by Typhoon Ondoy. This typhoon cut a swath of destruction over the weekend in the capital region of the country. As of today, it was reported that 240 lives had been lost. The worst affected areas were located in Rizal province. In the height of the storm, flood waters rose to the roofs of houses and people were seen standing on rooftops. Even when the storm has weakened and left the country, people were forced to stay temporarily in evacuation centers. Relief goods are now pouring in in distribution centers set up by the government and the private sector as well as the media giants ABS-CBN and GMA-7 which conducted round the clock coverage of the calamtity. But more than the donations of canned goods and clothing, the flood victims should receive hot meals each day that they are still in the evacuation centers. Volunteers responding to the spirit of "bayanihan" or selfless volunteerism, should see to it that flood victims are given the best of care. At any rate, it appears that the distribution of food, medicine and other means of assistance for the flood victims are starting to pick up in an orderly manner. Through the leadership of the National Disaster Coordinating Council which is led by Defense Sectretary Gilbert Teodoro, the orderly rescue and relief effort, however massive, is gaining headway in all affected areas amidst the gloom and doom that just swept into the country over the weekend. The call for unity and volunteerism sounded out by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was effective in stirring the "bayanihan" spirits among thousands of Filipinos who are now trooping to evacuation centers to lend assistance. This only shows that the Filipino spirit is still up high and it is not defeated by a natural disaster such as Typhoon Ondoy. More power to the Filipino people!

The Noynoy Aquino Phenomenon

Noynoy Aquino, the 49-year-old son of Cory and Benigno Aquino is currently riding on the crest of popularity and nationwide support created by the heroism and courage of his departed parents. A new set of poll surveys made before his declaration of intent to run for public office, it is said, all point to a lead of Noynoy Aquino over all other possible presidential candidates. This is a phenomenon brought on by several factors, one of which is the boldness and forthrightness with which Noynoy Aquino has determined that now is the time to come to the full service of his country. With the country's economy in an stagnant state and its moral foundation virtually under attack by its corrupt leaders, Senator Aquino did not waste a chance to relay to his Liberal Party co-leaders that he is interested in running for President. Other factors that spawned this Aquino phenomenon is the speed with which the Filipino people has accepted Noynoy Aquino as a rightful challenge to the top post of the land against other candidates who are suspect in their ability to manage the country. Aquino's instant popularity is one reason why there is now a "wrecking crew" unknowingly developing among politicians, writers, columnists and spokesmen of various political parties and even Malacanang, all aimed at putting down the character and ability of Noynoy Aquino to lead a troubled country like the Philippines. His life and achievements are now under scrutiny, and any minute discrepancy or speck from his personal record is blown out of proportion to make him unacceptable to the Filipino voters. But Filipino voters know better. They've suffered for many years against corrupt leaders who have nearly emptied the government coffers without showing any concrete achievement that will make a common Filipino family happy. Poverty is still a gnawing problem, as if having a wide gap between the rich and the poor in Philippine society is already a given. Politics has been converted as a form of business by corrupt officials, and it is the only business around where money is easy to find and the sure road to creating financial empires. Meanwhile, service work to the millions of suffering Filipinos is always found wanting and these poor folks are always treated as second-class citizens of their own country. There is therefore a new breeze of leadership that is being offered by Noynoy Aquino. He is helped by the memory of his honest and heroic parents and the Filipino people sense that it is in Noynoy Aquino -- the only son of the icon of democracy and the hero who defied the Marcos martial law machine -- that will make real their hopes and dreams for a better life.

Aquino Represents Genuine Opposition

Deposed President Joseph Estrada branded Noynoy Aquino's candidacy as one representing the rich of the Philippine society. Little does Estrada know that Aquino's political party might as well represent the genuine Opposition. That it is why, Aquino's decision to run is generating excitement in all sectors of Philippine politics and society in general. It might as well be the next People Power. Noynoy Aquino is asking the people to mount another collective confrontation against the adversaries of change and real progress. This is the only peaceful way to regain their freedom and control over a seemingly wayward trend towards self-destruction of the country. Other presidential candidates who plan to oppose Aquino in 2010 are either tainted in their records or are carrying an agenda of accomodation with the corrupt regime. The programs for the poor and the victims in Philippine society are given just lip service. Once elected, anyone of these candidates will just be a "repeat of the same". On the other hand, there is a reformist trend in the way Noynoy Aquino will press his case before the Filipino electorate. Just an example, Aquino has declared that if he is elected, he will press for a relentless recovery of the Marcos wealth which runs in the billions. This money could be used as a start to generate economic reforms and alleviation of the plight of the poor in Philippine society. This is just a glimpse of what an Aquino presidency will do to put the country on the map of true progress and prosperity. Thus, the belief that Aquino represents the genuine Opposition will always prevail as the country closes in on May 2010 elections. There is a past in the country's history about the sacrifices and heroism of Aquino's parents that is difficult to erase. And it is a continuing act. The campaign months will allow the real candidate of the people to emerge and, for now, it appears like destiny has given Noynoy Aquino to lead the Filipino people to genuine democratic reforms.

Noynoy Aquino under Media Scrutiny

Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is now under media scrutiny. Right now, he is in Zamboanga city to further ask himself and seek the advice of close friends and the spiritual guidance that he needs for the decision after September 9. This decision will affirm whether he will run for the presidency in 2010 or not. The action of Mar Roxas to give way to his friend Noynoy to run for President next year paved the way for all this excitement that the only son of Benigno and Cory Aquino is now generating in the Philippine political scene. Can he unite the country and become the next President? Time and succeeding events will tell. He is only 49 years old and single. He is too young to lead a country that is mired in graft and corruption and where majority of its citizens and fresh college graduates look up to jobs abroad as a way of surviving in life. Noynoy has always stated in most of his inteviews with radio-TV reporters that the best candidate this country should have is the one that is picked by the common folks. Traditional politicians have come and gone and still, the country suffers from economic povery, hopelessness and social malaise. Furthermore, there is divisiveness in the land, brought about by the direct clash between good and evil, between the corrupt and its victims, between those who usurped power and built a fortress to keep it and those who longed to serve the country honestly and can't. Noynoy Aquino is therefore being thrushed into the forefront of this great Divide, hoping that his eventual victory will unite the nation and bring about socio-economic reforms and political renewal that only a victory at the polls in 2010 can be achieved. Otherwise, the alternative is another wound in the country's psyche that is difficult to heal. Noynoy should accept the challenge to be the standard bearer of his party in the 2010 presidential race. This is the only chance right that he will have where he can vigorously pursue the ideals and beliefs that his famous parents adhered on for the benefit of millions of Filipinos of this exciting country. So far, Noynoy is standing tall amidst continuous media scrutiny. He has brains and the physical energy to mount the arduous challenge against anyone who is also vying for the top post of the land. Of course, there will be detractors. There will be people who will stage negative attacks against his character and ability to lead. But by doing so, it only proves that Mar Roxas was not all mistaken when he gave way to his close friend to go for the presidency in 2010. He might as well make it.