His Destiny, Our Destiny

GLIMPSES
Jose Ma. Montelibano

When Cory was dying, a whole nation prayed for her. The great outpouring of sorrow and sympathy, including expressions of gratitude from a people, will always be remembered, but the spiritual connection of the Filipino with Cory was first revealed when prayers for a miracle healing or for an end to her suffering were offered by a whole nation. It is no secret that Noynoy’s explosion to the presidential race was a direct result of the Cory factor, and that Noynoy’s apparent win can be credited to the same Cory factor.

There was a moment when Noynoy’s 51% survey ratings dropped to 37%. His rivals thought that his bubble had burst, and maybe it had. But his rivals underestimated the Cory factor, the Yellow fever, and did not understand that they were not fighting Noynoy anymore but a hard core Cory and Yellow base. When they bombarded Noynoy with black propaganda but got nowhere, it was because they were already confronting the Cory and Yellow army, not just Noynoy.

The Cory and Yellow forces are very much around. In fact, threats of a “no-proc” scenario have triggered a break in the euphoria of these forces and a new alert for mass action should it become necessary. Leaders of these forces had never seriously subscribed to the possibility of a failure of elections simply because that development would clearly show the rest of the free world that Gloria had crossed an international no-no boundary and provoke global condemnation. A “no-proc” scenario seemed like a real, though sinister, possibility if it could be pulled off from within constitutional parameters and Gloria being a congresswoman and a Prime Minister in waiting.

I am glad to note that a presidential spokesman of Gloria had spoken out against rumors of a “no-proc” scenario. That reduces the possibility of the same as only Gloria has enough authority, power and resources to attempt such a desperate move. Yet, Gloria’s concern for what the US and China will say can make her more attuned to a reality greater than her or her desires. The subtle message of ambassadors of the United States and China calling on Noynoy Aquino is short of saying “Congratulations” in words what actions already signify.

It appears that both the US and China have serious interests in the Philippines, politically, militarily and as a source of strategic raw materials. Gloria will listen to both countries. If she has any money stashed at all, then she will be very sensitive especially to the one who may have have been monitoring movements of big amounts. Cheating may be one country’s affair but it has international repercussions. It is more true in a country that has been subservient to those more powerful or richer.

Nevertheless, strange things have happened before and the interests of Filipinos will always be second or third fiddle to the interests of an interventionist nation. I was smiling at that old and trite line that the militant Left again publicized about Noynoy being the new American puppet after the US Ambassador visited Times Street. When will the same militant Left say that Noynoy is also the puppet of China for the same reason? Anyway, with news that the Prime Minister of Japan has agreed that US bases can stay in Japan will ease pressure on the Americans to insist on the Philippines as its most preferred location for new US bases.

The real barometer of real realpolitik, though, is the jockeying for position under both a Noynoy presidency and a Binay vice-presidency. Already, the lines are long as far as applicants are concerned as the new president will have the authority, and the burden, of appointing thousands as replacement to Arroyo appointees. And I assume that a threatened Liberal Party, or to be more specific, a threatened faction of the Liberal Party controlled by Mar Roxas, will try to make the new vice-president as inutile as possible.

It is only now when Noynoy Aquino can begin to build his own personality and leadership beyond just what he inherited. Everyday from now on, life will present opportunity after opportunity for Noynoy to be president of all Filipinos and not just son of Cory or the Liberal Party presidential candidate. It will be a new day for him as a political player and for Filipinos hoping for change. Yet, Cory and what she represents to many Filipinos will remain very important to the presidency of Noynoy. He cannot betray her even as he charts a precarious path to change.

What can one man do when his shoulders carry the dreams and hopes of hiss people, even those who did not vote for him? Very much and very little. Very much because his position, actuation and authority will set a pace and tone which binds a whole bureaucracy to try to follow with dire consequences against those who will defy. Very little if not enough citizens are motivated to follow their president’s leadership and contribute their citizens’ share.

It may be difficult for Filipinos to learn about discipline in the next six years of a second Aquino presidency, but Noynoy can start something which cannot be reversed by the end of his term. He is not expected to do it all but he is expected to start it all. He cannot begin his office trying to be a good president; because of what our country and people have become, Noynoy Aquino must strive from day one to be the best president the Philippines has ever had. To whom much has been given, truly much is expected.

Destiny is a giver of missions. It dispenses both blessings and trials, the former to equip the beneficiary with what is needed for a great mission, and the latter to bring out the hero through fortitude and wisdom. What may be more important, though, is what destiny has given to the Filipino, and what each of us can do to become the hero that the motherland has long waited for.

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“There is always a philosophy for lack of courage.” Albert Camus