Neil Don M.

Orillaneda
A.B. Political Science

Philippine Foreign Policy

August 6, 2015
Atty. Djoanivie Junasa

Endorsement: A Blessing and a Curse

Presidential endorsement has been a tradition not only in Philippine Politics but also
that of other countries. Going back to history, we can all agree that the late Corazon Aquinos
endorsement of her former defense secretary, Fidel V. Ramos, managed to give an impact in the
1992 elections. When it was Ramos turn to choose his preferred successor, Ramos chose his
ally, Speaker Jose de Venecia. The endorsement of the late Corazon Aquino proved significant in
the 1992 elections but we cant say the same for Ramos endorsement. The endorsement that was
supposed to give Speaker Jose de Venecia an advantage was in no way capable of overpowering
the popularity of Joseph Estrada.
I am at a crossroad as to whether or not the endorsement of the incumbent Philippine
president necessary in the upcoming presidential elections. One part of me, the one that is ProPNoy, thinks that the endorsement of the incumbent Philippine president is necessary in the
upcoming presidential elections and the other thinks that the endorsement of the incumbent
Philippine president will blind the Filipino people or the true and deserving presidential
candidate. President Aquinos programs for the betterment of the Philippines are open ended. It
requires continuity for it to be effective. As we can observe, his programs are just starting to bear
fruits for the Filipinos to harvest. For instance, the Pantawid Pamilya Program which proved to
be a significant part of the so-called Daang Matuwid. Under the Pantawid Pamilya Program,
the government can ensure that the progress that they have made and the opportunities that have
been created can be maximized by our fellowmen. Though the benefits of it are not yet felt by
every Filipino, at least it already began to create a domino effect or trickled down to the poorest
Filipinos who needs it the most. This program receives a lot of criticism but the beneficiaries of
it are the only proof we need to see that the money allotted by the government for this program is
not going to waste. There are still some who ask where the result of this program is and as PNoy
said, They seem to think that Pantawid Pamilya is like a magic tablet that, once taken by a child
in kindergarten, turns that child into a college graduate after only a few hours. Perhaps, they did
not have enough time to study during their time; let us help them count: K to 12 lasts 13 years,
while my term only lasts for six. Now we see whos trying to deceive us. However, Presidential
endorsement has its fair share of pros and cons. Proven by history, endorsements may or may not
provide positive impact on the endorsees presidential bid. It could either be a blessing or a curse
or even both. Just like what Roland Simbulan, a University of the Philippines professor, said, if
the Filipino people would like Aquinos programs to continue, it will definitely be a plus factor
but if the Filipino people see PNoy as an incompetent president, then they will likely see his
endorsee incompetent as well. And as I mentioned earlier, presidential endorsement may blind
the Filipino people of the true and deserving presidential candidate. Based on my observation,
many Filipinos are lazy voters. By lazy voters, I mean that some vote for candidates because of
their mere popularity and not because of their competence.

To sum it all up, with the above statements, I can confidently say that the endorsement of
the incumbent Philippine president is necessary in the upcoming presidential elections. We need
someone who will continuously support the programs established by President Aquino. President
Aquino planted the seed, the Filipino people and the government nurtured it, and now it is
already bearing fruits for us to enjoy. Theres no reason for us to have someone who will cut it
and deprived us of the results of our six-year hardwork. It is true that there is no assurance that
Mar will pursue the advocacies of President Aquino for he is entitled to his own decisions and
opinions but the only thing that we can hold onto is the promise that he made. The promise that
he has no interest other than country before self.