Mar-Noynoy, Noynoy-Mar Tandem---winnable?

Which is a formidable tandem---a Roxas-Aquino or an Aquino-Roxas? This is the problem right now of the Liberal Party. Before August 5, discussions were centered on either a Roxas-Lacson or a Roxas-Pangilinan tandem. Interestingly, discussions are even focused on Senator Noynoy Aquino snatching the presidential nomination from Roxas.

And this for me, shows how weak Mar Roxas' hold in his own party is. If Mar really controls his party, then, there should never be any talks whatsoever of replacing him with Noynoy, only talks about the possibility of Noynoy as his running mate.

There is a palpable public demand for Noynoy to run for public office. It remains to be seen, however, if this demand is strong enough to lift the sagging popularity ratings of the Liberal Party. The last presidential survey shows Mar again slipping to 8 percent after registering a high of about 18 percent a few weeks prior. Mar needs a boost. Despite the public announcement of his wedding with Korina Sanchez, Mar's ratings have not really shown "resiliency" yet. Roxas' ratings are inconsistently average--hovering between 8 to 18%---not enough to really assure poll victory.

One thing though---there is a noticeable attempt by certain sectors to claim "EDSA" as theirs. No one owns EDSA. It is only the Filipino people who can claim EDSA and this phenomenon is not the sole domain of the Liberal Party.

One criticism that I think Mar knows himself---he has not distinguished himself above the rest. People want somebody who would rise above the occasion, somebody who will astound them and inspire them. Inspiring the people through non-traditional means, meaning, not thru TV ads.

You can't inspire people to believe in you in ads because it's common knowledge that 86% of Filipinos believe in word-of-mouth marketing more than advertisements (only 17% of Filipinos do based on a Nielsen survey 2008).

People, according to a private poll survey, are expecting someone who can speak the language of the masses, like how Erap does it. He should be of youthful exuberance, like Chiz Escudero and having a quick wit, like Loren Legarda.

Now, let's also wait for the next survey results. If there is really a huge "demand" for Noynoy to run as president, then, it should reflect in the next survey results.

What is certain is that, whether or not August 5 happened, Noynoy is one of the best alternatives for the people. Like his martyred father, Ninoy, Noynoy has the best qualities of a leader. He is nonassuming. He does not crave for the position, nor lust for its perks and privileges. He's quite humble and shows it always. And he recognizes the power of the people as the supreme one.