Noynoy and the Great Yellow Hope
“Ituloy ang laban ni Ninoy at Cory!” (Continue the fight of Ninoy and Cory!) This cry reverberated across the land as a grateful nation buried former President Corazon Aquino last August 5. A sea of yellow engulfed these islands anew as people rekindled the spirit of Edsa Uno, flashing the L-sign and singing “Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas.” But the question remained: Who will lead this fight?
One name has emerged on a multitude of minds and lips: Benigno ’Noynoy’ Aquino III, only son of Ninoy and Cory, and incumbent senator of the Republic.
On September 1, barely a month after President Cory passed away, Sen. Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party and its erstwhile presumptive nominee for the presidential elections next year, announced that he was abandoning his quest for the highest position and throwing his support behind his bosom buddy Noynoy. He said it was time for unity and that the interests of the nation had to take precedence over an individual’s political ambition: “Bayan muna bago ang sarili.” (Country above self.)
On September 2, Noynoy thanked him for the magnificent gesture of statesmanship. He said he was entering into a retreat and would pray for discernment before announcing his decision regarding his possible candidacy in the 2010 national elections. He asked for more time to thresh out things with his siblings, as the family is still in mourning. Nevertheless, it is widely expected that he will eventually accept a draft to run for president.
What makes Noynoy Aquino the Great Yellow Hope?
First, our people are hungry and thirsty for good governance. “Sobra na, tama na palitan na!” (Too much, enough, let’s have a change!)
Second, there is a clamor for new politics: We want a leader who, like President Cory, is pure of heart and has integrity.
Third, we want a leader who can unify the various segments of our body politic and heal the wounds of division and conflict.
Noynoy Aquino never presented himself for consideration as a presidential or vice presidential candidate. He was busy performing his duties as a first-term senator after serving three full terms as representative from Tarlac province. It was the position of the presidency seeking a worthy aspirant in him; he never sought the position.
After the outpouring of affection for President Cory overflowed into expressions of belief in his capacity to be the carrier and advocate of his parents’ legacy, Noynoy humbly acknowledged the recognition accorded him. He expressed the hope, however, that beyond signing their names on pieces of yellow paper, people will wear yellow and tie yellow ribbons to more concretely manifest their real sentiments on the future of the nation.
But there are also voices of disbelief, especially from among those who raise questions about his competence and preparedness to take on the mantle of leadership. It must be pointed out that he has had broader actual work experience in government service than when then housewife Cory Aquino agreed to lead the opposition in the snap elections of February 1986.
Beyond basic competence, our people are looking for a leader they can believe in, a leader who can bring about change they can believe in. Let’s listen to the voices from the long queues of common tao that lined up to pay their last respects to President Cory. From the funeral oration of Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ:
“On radio, the other night, the commentator asked an old woman in line why she stood hours in the rain to get into La Salle. ’Ito lang ang maibibigay ko po sa kanya, bilang pasasalamat.’ ’Bakit, ano ba ang ibinigay ni Cory sa inyo?’ ’Di po ba ang buhay niya? Ang buong sarili nya? At di po ba ang pagasa? Kaya mahal na mahal po namin siya.’ (’This is the only way I can thank her.’ ’Why, what did Cory give you and what did she do for you?’ ’Isn’t it that she gave her life and her entire self? And didn’t she give us hope? That’s why we love her very much.’)
Our people want a leader who is selfless. This is the only thing that can rekindle their hope in the future.
It is said that God’s will is manifested in mysterious ways. Only a month ago, who would ever think that today’s events would materialize? We were praying for the recovery of President Cory. Did we ever imagine that our prayers might also lead the way toward national recovery and reconstruction? But, in retrospect, did we ever imagine that prayers and faith would redeem us in Edsa Uno?
If we return to the Edsa shrine, the scene of Edsa Uno, there is a Biblical passage that reminds passers-by of God’s word: “If my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Let us join Noynoy as he prays for discernment. Let us look deep into ourselves and ask, too, what sacrifices we need to make as individual citizens so we will at last find fulfillment in our quest for a new leader for our beloved Pilipinas.
Related posts:
- Cory Aquino’s condition now guarded, son Noynoy says
- One day off for country, 1 week for solons
- Aquino’s Cathedral wake a first for church
- Cory’s condition worsens: Information from family
- Ballsy Aquino-Cruz: Mom took all the hurts for us
- That beats any state funeral, says Gordon
- No stopping Arroyo from going to Corys wake
So we should hope that he won the presidencial race so that he can continue what his parents started.
NoyNoy aquino will be our symbol for our hope that the Philippines will someday be a better country.’~;