Pidro and the Presidentiables

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
07 February 2010


The chilling winter air of this deserted Kingdom mellowed the electro-magnified, harsh voices of the crowd of Filipino expatriates who tossed teasers in the thin air of the foodcourt inside the mall we frequent during days off and breaks. Pidro is in the House!

Yes, Pidro is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adding to the statistics of the largest of Filipino communities in the Mid-East. I met Pidro in one of the oldest Filipino carenderia along Avenida when I was interviewing Juan for my article. Pidro is just as ordinary as Juan, though they are cousins. Although social scientists have always been comparing Pidro to Juan in terms of social position, the vigorous Pidro is not the same as the sluggish Juan. He is working as a pipefitter in one of the major construction companies in the Kingdom while Juan is still in the chugging Philippines sleeping on his back.

The opinionated mind of Pidro makes him incomparable with Juan naïve’s personality. In one of his thinking-out-loud mental activities, Pidro was carefully and intelligently dissecting the personalities of the Presidentiables from their “persona” in relation to the Filipino community. Amazingly awesome!
Pidro on Acosta: A for Acosta, a danger in the polls. Candidates are listed alphabetically and this KBL-backed candidate could still register an amount of votes that may help winnable cindidates given his absence. Obviously, this is a nuisance. Let’s forgive him and those behind his candidacy including the selfish motives and interests that envelope his name.

Pidro on Gilberto Teodoro: Undoubtedly, he got the brains. He is so far one of the top wannabees the Comelec has produced. However, his charisma to the general public is apparently nil. While he has the machinery, the connection he opted is the “right love at the wrong time.”

If I have to put my two cents in, I would agree with Pidro. Almost all OFWs in the Mid-East and other parts of the world agree with it. This is not his time to shine yet. However, while Gilberto Teodoro may not win in the ballots, he may win when the tide turns with Chris Angel in the Palace. I just hope she would not commit mental lapses this time.

Pidro on Noynoy Aquino: They say he is intelligent. He may have inherited the extraordinary “brains” of his father analytic mind of his mother. However, his name in the lowest chamber (or is it the Lower Chamber?) was never heard. Statistically, people did not know how many bills he has authored or co-wrote with; not even a bill is associated with him. Does he have?

Luckily though, he has Kris Aquino who can be his commercial endorser along with the troubled, showbiz-oriented and sexually-appealing hubby James Yap. The fusion of the two can stir the voting public and can win for Noynoy the seat. Although the OFWs are reluctant to his candidacy, the eleventh-hour decision of the voting populace can be unpredictable. Arguably, he can be listed as a strong contender.
Pidro on Jamby Madrigal: She may have the capability but she doesn’t have the capacity. Her libido has actually expired along with the dimming glory of her showbiz friend connected with one of the largest terrestrial giants of the country. To Pidro, which OFWs agree, she should quit and support one candidate for her glory and claim a prized-seat in the administration after the election is over. Tactically, this ambitious senator is throwing a strategic move for another alternative course of action after the election.

Pidro on Eddie Villanueva: Clearly, the separation between the church and the state is an obvious fact to all Filipinos. Although we may say that it is a “thin, red line” but the delineation is still obvious and he should consider this. To Pidro, his move is unpopular even to his believers and followers that he may lost them after the battle at the polls. Pidro suggests: he should quit and take care of his flock the Lord Almighty entrusted to him. Let’s say Amen to this!

Pidro on JC De los Reyes: This never-heard aspirant is obviously a neophyte and an ambitious citizen. All he needs to prove is that the Fundamental Law of the Land is living in his qualifications matter that propelled him to file his candidacy. Certainly however, his will end right at this very juncture. JC should stop dreaming and stop counting stars during winter. Silly, huh!

Pidro on Dick Gordon: His “shining armor” has actually expired and his dimming glory is obviously taking its toll. His first attempt was a lesson in itself. Considered as a strategic move, definitely he will resign from believing that “he can make it” and eventually support one candidate to his advantage after the polls. This is common to all traditional politicians, matter which we need to erase for the better: support-now-pay-later polling style.

Pidro on Manny Villar: By far, he has the wit and experience a candidate needs to be saleable and marketable. He has the commanding presence and his arguments always cause the commotion in the Houses and cause to stir both the good and the bad. Lately though, the Central Bank scandal caused a decline in his rating but the charisma he exudes to the voting public and the support from both houses may whisk an air of appetite to the entire Filipino community including OFWs to change their mind and vote for him. His win-by-heart charisma catapulted him to the House; once again, the rush-hour decision can still send him to power.

Pidro on Erap Estrada: He has been pardoned and was given a new personality under the law. His first attempt to turn his showbiz orientation into politics has become a nightmare and has become, in fact, a bizarre work of art for him. The carpet-ride political travails of this polygamous old man have to end. Although the general sentiments circulating in the grapevine favors this once-in-history overthrown President, with the incidents affecting gravely the economy of the Country, people have become intelligent especially in choosing.

Bu then again, spur-of-the-moment emotions may still risk him to power. The forgive-and-forget Filipino attitude still plays around. Beware! This high-voltage candidate creates the fear.

People of the Philippines, listen to what Pidro has to say: We have failed several times to choose for the highest position of the land. While we have redeemed our lost glory after EDSA 1 however, the momentum was curtailed. In this new decade, let us forget about our naiveté and easy-to-convince principles and focus on one thing: choose the lesser evil from among the list.
Warren Buffet once quipped: “If you hire an employee (choose a candidate), look for these three things: Integrity, intelligence and energy. Without the first, the other two will kill you.”

Don’t compromise!