The politics of Noynoy Aquino

Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III has become the third member of his immediate family to be thrust into the vortex of what a sociologist calls periodic episodes of “romanticism" in Philippine politics and history.

But the real burden of the senator and now presidential aspirant is not just proving his sincerity and integrity. He also has to declare what he stands for, and on his own merits and in his words, convince a public awash in goodwill for the Aquinos that he is a worthy son to his parents, and a worthy candidate to the highest post in the country.

And then after he has accomplished that, Aquino will have to sustain the interest of a public that is notorious for being fickle-minded and having a short memory.

It’s a formidable task for someone who political strategist and Aquino family friend Reli German says has been seen by most people as “a political lightweight, (with) his transformation not yet sufficiently remarkable."

But since Noynoy Aquino has heeded the public clamor for him to run for president, observers like sociologist Randy David say the surprise 2010 presidential candidate now needs to ask himself, “Am I the one? If I take on that mandate, what will I do? What do I stand for?"

"He’s been a politician for more than a decade, unlike his mom who had hardly any preparations," says David, with a hint of impatience.“ He is almost 50 years old, he has been in that realm vicariously, he should have certain ideas. Tell us what these are."

According to David, “the spontaneity, the idealism, the romanticism in politics, the romanticism of hope" is the power that seems to be firing up the Noynoy Aquino for president movement.

“It’s a very powerful movement that is responsible for all sudden historical surges," he says, but the downside is “it also does not have very long shelf life."

source: GMAnews.tv