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.