The so-called presidentiables have begun to fan out to the provinces in search of votes and voters. The presidentiables as of now are 11.
The frontrunners, per recent surveys, are: Vice President Noli de Castro, 59, 31 %; Loren Legarda, 49, 28 %; Manny Villar, 59, 27 %; Francis Escudero, 39, 19 %; Panfilo Lacson, 60, 14 %; former President Joseph Estrada, 71, 11 %; and Mar Roxas, 51, 10 %.
Others with only single digit ratings are Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, 66; Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, 63; and a corporate CEO, Chairman Efraim Genuino, 59, of the state casino monopoly Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
A presidential candidate must visit at least once 81 provinces, 136 cities, more than 200 congressional districts, and 1,495 towns. There are only two ways to skip this ritual of visiting major provinces: (a) use one’s immense popularity, and (b) spend on media exposure. The cost for that effort: P4 billion.
Two qualities will define the presidentiables: youth and experience. Two issues will define the presidential elections of 2010: the economy and corruption.
At this stage though, the economy seems still strong and dynamic. But fortunes could change come election time.
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