Two Christmases
for candidates

A survey conducted by Radio Veritas showed that President Noynoy Aquino continues to enjoy a high trust rating among his people. That jibes with the latest polls also conducted by the well-known entities, the Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia. Look forward to another jump in his ratings in the next surveys to be conducted after this historic framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. American president Barack Obama must be envying PNoy for his ratings these days.

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There are now about four weeks more before the Americans hold their election and voters are still waiting for the next debate between the two presidential bets, Obama of the Democrats and Mitt Romney of the Republicans. Obama did not fare well in the first one, so he is reportedly honing his arguments in order to win the next. Seems American voters really put a big value on those debates. I was surprised, though, why Romney did better than Obama who is quite a glib talker who can charm the birds off the trees, but cannot quite deliver.

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In the Philippines, elections are still about six months away, but the climate is already heating up and this time, it is worse, because the ones who are running are already known, but there is no law that prohibits them from acting like candidates covering this period. Before, Comelec rules were very strict and they could not quack like politicians until the prescribed campaign period begins. Now that filing certificates of candidacy has taken place early, a questionable hiatus has been created, making it difficult to tell what and how candidates could say and act so they will not be disqualified.

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Another disadvantage for those running for public office is the fact that they are already confirmed as candidates as of now, and will have quite a time dealing with their supporters and would-be voters come Christmas time. Why couldn't the Comelec have thought of this and set the filing in January? That way, candidates will not be expected to play Santa Claus in December, and then again in May. Poor guys, and gals.

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But the Christmas season has been preceded this time by the happy event of the signing of a framework agreement between negotiators of the government and of the MILF. It is heartwarming to see Muslims, including their children, showing signs of happiness and expectation because of this development. They, too, must be tired and fed up with all the fighting and deprivations. Let us all hope and pray that this will progress as expected and that Congress will not go nitpicking and playing politics over this issue when it gets to them later.

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Until now, people are still talking about the beautiful speeches delivered during the ceremonies for the signing of the historic agreement on Monday. All those who had speaking parts exuded sincerity and unity of purpose and all those present seemed to be praying for them. President Aquino was probably the most applauded one, and it was obvious that many were impressed with what he said. Even the quotations cited included those from the Bible and the Koran. By the way, excerpts from the President's address are being reprinted on page 4 of this issue.

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Saved by her neck and saved by his heart. That was the condition of two persons charged for plunder, who have been granted respite from their arraignment because of their ailments that called for prolonged hospital stay. Former president Gloria Arroyo has been allowed to stay at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, while Manoling Morato can stay at the plush St. Luke's Hospital because of a bum heart. Both, and several others who have already been arraigned, are being charged for allegedly misusing funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

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Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is leading the Philippine delegation to Rome for the canonization of Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint, has suggested that Calungsod be declared the patron saint of overseas Filipino workers. That's all right, so long as he does not bargain with the new saint that he will pray for him to become president.*

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