The circus has begun

As the country remains agog over the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus that currently sweeps Asia, a sinister and more worrisome disease has taken root in the Philippine political bloodstream.

While SARS is expected to be contained in a few months, politics and the outcome of the May 2004 presidential elections will determine the nation’s health in the next six years. Surprisingly, the recent announcement of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s candidacy for president under the United Opposition was met with lukewarm media coverage. But make no mistake about it: the Philippine political circus has begun!

Lacson’s stint as former president Joseph Estrada’s notorious top cop and his involvement in the “Kuratong Baleleng” rubout cast a dark shadow over his capacity as a statesman. As of this writing, the Supreme Court is yet to issue a warrant for his arrest. However, his sterling track record for fighting organized crime -- to the point of allegedly being the judge and executioner himself -- has endeared him to the wealthy taipans who can fund his election machinery.

Given that Philippine politics is synonymous to hard cash and that political power is literally bought through prevalent vote-buying activities, he who holds the purse strings holds the political key. Moreover, since the Absentee Voting Law may not be implemented in 2004 due to perennial lack of funds, overseas Filipinos will again be stuck to the sidelines as their country reprises the role of political laughingstock.

Reports have it that serious negotiations are underway in the camp of “Action King” Fernando Poe, Jr. and that the movie star has already taken courses at the UP College of Public Administration. Lacson is believed willing to become vice-president if Poe jumps in.
With Poe and Lacson at the helm in 2004, the country would be better off with the SARS virus.*

Back to top