Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — President Aquino’s endorsement may boost the ratings of Liberal Party presidential bet Mar Roxas in the next round of surveys, but it’s no magic wand that can win him the election.
Political analysts say the presidential nod could be an advantage — or a kiss of death for Roxas.
“If people would like those programs to continue, it will definitely be a plus factor. Example, when Cory Aquino endorsed Fidel V. Ramos,” said University of the Philippines (UP) professor Roland Simbulan.
“Kung masama tingin kay PNoy, masama tingin sa kanya pero kung maganda tingin kay PNoy, that doesn’t necessarily mean boboto sila kay Mar,” countered Institute for Political and Electoral Reform executive director Mon Casiple.
Simbulan says Roxas may benefit from Aquino’s popularity as in the case of former president Ramos. The former defense chief was backed by the late President Cory Aquino, and succeeded her.
“Yung endorsement ni Cory Aquino was very important kasi she was at the height of her popularity at that time that the 1992 elections were held,” said Simbulan.
Casiple thinks otherwise.
“I don’t count that as power of endorsement kasi mababa nakuha na boto ni FVR, 23 percent,” positioned Casiple.
According to Casiple, a candidate must have his own identity.
“Strategically, disastrous yun. Yung desisyon na kumabit sa Daang Matuwid. Every time may mangyari diyan, isasama ka,” said Casiple.
Casiple says popularity is non-transferrable. Therefore, the people will vote for a president based on their own assessment of candidates.
There were times when an endorsement by an incumbent president has proven to be worthless.
Former president Gloria Arroyo raised the hand of her defense secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, in the 2010 polls. Teodoro distanced himself from the unpopular president, but still lost to his second cousin.
“This outgoing President is unpopular, may ganun perception sila na corrupt siya,” explained Simbulan.
For some voters, Aquino’s endorsement does not dictate their choice for the country’s next leader.
“Hindi naman porke inendorse ng Presidente si Mar e kelangan iboto natin sila,” said EJ Juan.
While, some others give it weight.
“Malaking bagay na inendorse siya ni President kasi yung ibang tao maeenggayo na bumoto sa kaniya,” said Josefina Lim.
While analysts think Roxas has an edge over other possible contenders in terms of experience, they say he must first find a way into the hearts of the people who see him as an elitist and can’t relate to their ordinary lives.
