Frankly, I do not buy the idea that it is still too early for those who would want to take a shot at the presidency to start making maneuvers like what many of our Senators are doing today.

 

Sadly, a lot of them have lately been unfairly criticized by media and by other sectors for allegedly playing politics this early simply because they could not keep to themselves their yearnings for the presidency.

The scheduled 2010 presidential elections is actually just around the corner, assuming no major changes in the country's political system would just suddenly come out from the blue.

Of course this is something not impossible to happen in this nation, which is one place where politics is deemed a key ingredient in practically all facets of life.

Simply stated, the presidential elections in 2010 is only about three years away and with a vast area to campaign and a great number of voters to woe taken into account there is no sense for one interested to run for president to keep his or her mouth shut at this time.

By all means, one who seriously considers throwing his or her hat in the forthcoming presidential derby should now start building the required political machinery and then find the fuel to make it run.

And so, instead of laughing at or mocking those who are frank enough to admit they want to become president of this country, they should be encouraged to start displaying their wares and show their talents.

I do not believe Filipinos are so stupid not to discern if an aspirant, whether a Senator, Congressman, Cabinet member, a taipan or whoever is merely seeking personal glory or earnestly promoting the country's interest when reacting to any burning issue of the day.

The people will then know much earlier if presidential aspirants are grandstanding or not and this input will enable the electorate to know more about a prospective candidate's character and competence.

Finally, I would rather encourage the early birds to start catching worms, short of a full blast campaigning.

 However, I would also urge them to fly low for the public's view and above all I wish they could emulate the patriotism of the great Filipino leaders ahead of them and distinguish what is good for the country and what is not.