READERS RALLY FOR GIBO

The Philippine Star
03/01/10

Our last column on presidential candidates (“Shadows Blanket Gibo Dreams,” February 26) arising from the forum organized by the Makati Business Club evoked quite a lively discussion on the online Philippine Star (www.philstar.com) site. We are featuring some of them today.

This first thread involves three people. Pogi101said: “Malinis pala si Gibo eh. Why then should Gloria's alleged record of corruption be a kiss of death? Granting that Gloria is the worst president ever, does it mean that all who worked under her administration all crooks?

“Is this the reason why Noynoy is reaping the benefits of his family name notwithstanding his poor record as a public servant? Gibo obviously is the better choice. Why should we opt for a non-performing asset?”

Jeric01 responds to Pogi101 by saying, “Granting that Gloria is the worst president ever, Gibo should at least have the guts to denounce her and her activities.”

To which Kirei816 responds with: “Gibo has the guts to say he will not stand in the way of a prosecution process if GMA is put to trial. Simply put, he will let the law do its job. So kung sino man ang gustong mag-demanda kay GMA, rest assured na hindi makikialam sa kaso si Gibo. Sige, idemanda nyo na!”

Old school

Another thread starts with Marian Gucaban’s comment, “Obviously, the author [BizLinks column] does not like Gibo so his article is meant to discourage those who are eyeing for Gibo not to vote for him anymore.

“He thinks that a vote for Gibo is useless even if this is dictated by one's conscience. The author still belongs to the old school to just vote for the winnable. Oh my goodness!”

To this, Moimoi responds: “What will be useless is to vote for a popular candidate but who has no clear platform and capability to lead a nation. Why trust the future to a non-performing person like what this Makati Business Club and the [BizLinks columnist] is supporting.”

In response to Moimoi’s comment, x6times says: “It's not useless to those who plan to ask for favors from ‘President Noynoy.’ They know they can manipulate him easily.”

Totalitarian

ex_bogo2x started a thread which says, “Many political analysts have labeled Gibo as having a totalitarian tendency. Our say? Maybe this is what we really need as a nation. Too much liberty has made as unprogressive.

“I would like to think that if Gibo became president, sacrifice of some of people’s liberties for the welfare of the many is needed. Matagal na tayong nasa democrasya pero parang usad pagong pa rin ang economiya.”

Responding to Rex_bogo2x, x6times writes back: “I don't see that tendency at all in Gibo. But I definitely see that in Gordon. In any case, we, as a nation, really need a little whipping.”

On survey results

Reacting to the column’s statement that “It is a sad reality, but in the minds of many, it is, after all, a useless gesture to support someone who will in most probability lose," engr_kristian says, “I completely disagree with that statement. This is where our political immaturity truly shows. If we follow this stupidity, then let’s scrap the elections altogether. Let’s just make a survey and declare the leader the winner. What an irresponsible statement!”

An assessment

One online reader offered comparative comments on some of the presidential candidates. Here is jcorner’s shared assessment: “From the top five presidentiables for 2010, I have found only Gibo having the best qualities and capabilities to be our next president.

“In Noynoy, you have somebody who is a stooge pushed into the limelight by everybody around him and the epitome of the dynastic tendencies of our politics. (Those who say Gibo is a stooge of GMA and who do can be dictated upon, think again!)

“Villar is also surrounded by people who are for sale or have just been bought. Look at his VP the butterfly. Everybody seems to have changed their air after he has confronted them. Looks like they have set their prices too!

“Can he recover the billions spent in six years and can afford not to get involved with his businesses. This is a clear conflict of interest waiting to happen!

“Erap is … guilty as 13 Justices have said. I am no knowledge more than (what) the Supreme Court knows to contest that and more coming.

“Villanueva will be the epitome of the aberration of the separation of church and state provision in the constitution. Let the first man who is holier than thou cast the first stone. Pay your taxes first holy fathers before you open your mouth and criticize government.

“So people, in a capsule, who do you think is the best president we can have on 2010? To the undecided, listen to Noynoy (everything a ‘clean’ record); Villar (can he recover his billions?); Erap (….); Villanueva (he was sent from heaven!); and lastly, try to listen to Gibo talk. You will know that the Filipino is all about being capable.

“This is a message from a lonely OFW in Saudi Arabia hoping Gibo can change the country and keep my family safe while we earn our keep while away from our loved ones. We stand by a good and true leader who believes that the Filipino can.”

Choose wisely

Finally, as this debate rages during the next 10 weeks, let us not forget the basic principle of why we have an election campaign period. Sugar.farmer wrote: “We should know in detail what the candidates will do, rather than just using motherhood statements to win votes.

“I hope my fellow Filipinos will vote wisely this time around for our future. Learn from the candidates’ family history, what influences them, etc. There's a saying ‘The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Pag bulok ang naging ugat, bulok din ang frutas.’”

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, SalcedoVillage, 1227 MakatiCity. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net