Aspirants bid for presidency

Three candidates have confirmed their bid for presidential position in May 2016 elections.

As of September, three candidates announced their candidacy for presidential elections. They are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Senator Grace Poe.

Binay’s intention to run for president was known since 2011.

He started his political career when he was appointed as the Mayor of Makati City during the late Corazon Aquino’s term and later reelected until 2010. Later in that year, Binay won as the Vice President of the Philippines.

Last July, Binay was accused of corruption cases including the controversial New Makati City Parking building overpricing. In spite of the allegations, the senate hasn’t able to produce any concrete evidence about the accusations therefore Binay proceeds into his candidacy.

Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is the second personality who declared his bid for presidency. Last July 31, Roxas was formally endorsed as Pnoy’s preferred successor.

Roxas started his political service as he ran as the congressman of the First District of Capiz in 1993. He served the Estrada Administration as a cabinet member. He was elected as senator from 2004 to 2010. Roxas was the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government of the current administration.

After the tragedy happened to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF), Roxas’ name was linked on the issue. He was said to be fully informed of the operation of SAFs yet he didn’t lift a finger in the early hours to ensure the safety of the commandos. He was said that he was not telling the truth because of repetitively changing to statements during the hearings.

Grace Poe was the third person who announced her bid for presidency last September 16. Senator Francis Escudero serves as her running mate and announced that they will remain without a political party.

Poe’s government role started when President Aquino appointed her as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson. Two years later, she ran for senator and won having the highest number of votes among the elected senators.

In spite of the issues about Poe’s citizenship, if she is qualified to run as President, her side successfully proved that she is a real Filipino and qualified to run as President.

The plans

Different platforms from different presidential candidates reflected their personalities and view on the presidential position.

According to Binay, when he will be elected as President, he will solve the port congestion to ease traffic, pork barrel for both legislative and executive branch will be abolished and he also promised to solve the problem with Manila’s Metro Rail Transit system.

Roxas committed not to betray the reforms initiated by the Aquino Administration and to continue Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid” agenda after his endorsement.

Poe presented several platforms on the same day of her announcement. Some of her platforms are to improve the quality of education thru digital technology and also to promote transparency with the enactment of the Freedom of Information Law. Poe also aims to reduce income taxes.

One of the three candidates will surely be elected as the next President and they will be implementing the said platforms but Filipino have choose wisely first. Also, voters should watch over the issues being thrown to the people who might be leading this country soon.