Babe’s Eye View

At the Rotary Club of Manila’s 19th Journalism Awards last Thursday (see photos at the Allure section of the Star today), Senator Grace Poe was the guest of honor and speaker. I got the sense that there seemed to be a strong sentiment among the guests that the lady senator could very well become the next president of the Philippines. We saw it from the moment she arrived at the lobby of the New World Hotel up to the ballroom, with the press immediately coming into action to take photos and the Rotary members and other guests interrupting whatever they were doing to acknowledge her presence.

We specifically chose Grace Poe to give the keynote speech during the Rotary event for the most prestigious journalism awards because of the fact that she is the main sponsor of the Senate version of the Freedom of Information bill which unfortunately has been stalled in Congress. Senator Grace spoke about the role of journalists who are tasked with asking the hard questions and finding the answers that would keep public officials true to their responsibility of serving the people.

But more significantly, what really impressed the audience was her candor during the Q & A, answering questions articulately and straightforward. We asked her whether she believed that the “presidency is destiny” — to which she admitted that the presidency is a privilege but that it would be “abnormal” for anyone to covet or desire it considering the heavy responsibilities that go with being the Chief Executive. She likened the position to being cloistered in a convent where one has to be detached but at the same time would still have to be engaged.

Grace has publicly admitted that her father, Fernando Poe Jr., well known by the adoring masses as Da King as we all know, was a major factor in giving her the number one spot at her Senatorial run. While it would seem that his popularity has also rubbed off on her, what many like most about Grace is that she has been able to establish herself as a quietly competent and independent-minded legislator. As Rotary member and former Congressman Roy Golez described her, she is a woman with “brains, beauty and a heart” — someone who could easily empathize with ordinary Filipinos.

Senator Poe has not even formally announced her plan to run for higher office in 2016, but her popularity continues to soar judging from the Pulse Asia/SWS surveys. It was obviously a mistake for the UNA spokesman to pounce on her and pillory Grace with the citizenship issue. It drew a negative public reaction which boomeranged on the Vice President, forcing Senator Nancy Binay to do some sort of “tactical retreat” so to speak. Analysts also find it very significant that the president has met with her more than once — a clear indication that she is very much in the radar as a strong contender for the presidential race.

We also received raw information that a number of businessmen have already discreetly indicated their willingness to contribute to her campaign. A reliable source also told us that an influential industry player has (reportedly) already organized a fund raising “small dinner” for the senator. While speculations run high and the senator herself continues to remain mum about her plans, an insider disclosed the lady senator will most likely run for the highest office as an independent candidate -- unless of course she gets adopted as a Liberal Party candidate.

In politics everything is possible, like what happened to Fidel Ramos when he lost to Monching Mitra for the LDP nomination as the party standard bearer for the 1992 elections. Everybody expected Cory Aquino to endorse Mitra but she suddenly changed gears, endorsing Fidel Ramos instead and the rest is history. Which only goes to show that nothing is really certain. Who knows, Noynoy Aquino could also shift gear at the eleventh hour.

But I for one believe the presidency is destiny — and we can look back at the recent history of politics in this country and you will know what I mean. Just like Mitra, Joe de Venecia was all set to become president with all the power, machinery and resources of the Lakas party — he lost to Joseph Estrada in 1998. Gloria Arroyo was set to run for president too but slid down to being the vice-presidential candidate. Little did she know she would be catapulted to the presidency after the illegal overthrow of Joseph Estrada in 2001. She was president for nine years. In 2010, Manny Villar was almost sure he would be president until Cory Aquino died in August, 2009. Noynoy suddenly became the man to beat. But everything is all speculative at this point.

Those aspiring to be president should remember that things have changed too with the new age of information technology. They should not underestimate the voting public especially a large segment of society who are quietly watching the events via closed social media groups. Filipinos have never been so much more informed as they are today thanks to the advent of information and digital technology. Even mainstream media is recognizing the power of digital technology with many of them merging traditional and online platforms to reach wider audiences.

Those who are watching the evolution of politics in this country also say that we are seeing a new breed of Filipino voters emerge — well-informed, opinionated and confident in knowing that they have the power to help shape destiny literally at the tip of their fingers via the Internet — which only means — politicians can no longer fool all the people all the time.