Babe's Eye View article

Gilbert Teodoro and Noynoy Aquino are second cousins from the same Cojuangco tree. Although they have had differences in the past and belong to different political parties, they have maintained good relations. It was good to see both of them at the People of the Year Awards night in Sofitel last Thursday.

One thing the electorate can appreciate about these two gentlemen is the fact that they have agreed, and promised, to bring the campaign on a higher plane by focusing on issues and keeping personal differences out of it. This, I think, is the kind of refreshing change we need, different from the muck-raking, name-calling and negative campaigning that have largely characterized the way politics is conducted in this country—which will only serve to confuse the already confused public.

Both share several things in common. They belong to one of the country’s wealthiest and politically influential clans; both became congressmen; and both are the “unico hijo”—the only son in the family—although Gilbert is an only child while Noynoy has four sisters. However, a cursory glance at their individual backgrounds would indicate several differences.

For one, Gilbert is married while Noynoy remains a bachelor. The latter is also a Blue Eagle—an Atenean through and through, finishing elementary, high school and his Economics degree at the Jesuit-run institution. Gilbert on the other hand spent elementary and high school at Xavier School. He belongs to the Green Archers—the Blue Eagles’ rival—since he obtained his commerce degree from La Salle. He finished law in UP and eventually topped the bar exams in 1989.

In some of my conversations with the two cousins, I must admit both seem to epitomize the new generation of leaders that Filipinos, especially the youth, are looking for. They are both well-educated, well-mannered, conversant in Tagalog and English, and seem to grasp many issues affecting ordinary Filipinos despite the fact that they come from well-to-do families.

As the current frontrunner, Noynoy is perceived as the perfect agent of change. While many accuse him of inexperience, he is seen as a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill politician. Gilbert on the other hand has successfully parlayed the image of a capable man and in fact, is able to articulate his views very clearly. He enjoys high respect from the military, suspending a multi-million dollar contract when it had a hint of scandal, endearing him to a lot of professional officers.

At this early stage, I really have no strong preference for any candidate. I am just hoping and praying that people will choose a candidate based on who they truly believe has the competence and ability to lead this country amidst the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world. It is very sad when people say they believe so-and-so is the right candidate but they will not vote for him because he will not win anyway. That’s an absolutely wrong attitude. To be a responsible voter, people must vote according to their conscience and based on who they believe would make a good leader. This is the best attitude.

Like me, many believe we have very good choices for national positions from president to vice president down to senators this coming elections. In any case, people were glad to see the political rivals in such amiable circumstances like the People of the Year awards night. As hosts Johnny Litton and Korina Sanchez-Roxas jokingly put it, the event was actually a “family reunion.” As a matter of fact, three Cojuangco branches were present in the affair: Noynoy, Gilbert and Choy Cojuangco. But it was actually deeper than that because it became a joyful occasion that recognized the good that individuals—regardless of their stature—have done to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.

That’s why People Asia and the Philippine STAR are very proud about the awards night, because it commemorated 10 years of celebrating people. Readers appreciate the fact that we’ve featured stories that bring out the best and the positive about an individual—something that the country sorely needs today.

Many foreigners have always been fascinated by the Filipino, and one of them is former British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham who, along with his lovely wife Jill, flew all the way from London just to attend our affair. He had said on many occasions that he is amazed at the character and the jovial mood of Filipinos. Both the Beckinghams said they will always remember their stay in the country.

In the 10 years that the magazine has been in existence, so many have been featured—businessmen, entertainers, boxers, politicians, the first Aeta law student, a blind honor student, priests, diplomats, a “pushcart” educator and even a real-life hero like Muelmar Magallanes who lost his life saving others. As someone said, diversity is the ingredient that makes life fascinating and exciting.

Like many ordinary Filipinos, Noynoy and Gilbert may have differing viewpoints, divergent opinions and their families may have been on the opposite sides of the political fence. But at the end of the day, “blood will always be thicker than water.” More importantly, the Filipino blood is thicker than any political water because we all share the same kind of love for this country. When everything is said and done, we must always remember that although we may come from different branches, we all belong to the same Filipino tree—working together to bear the kind of fruit we all desire for this country.