The Royal Rumble

Today, Pampanga Governor Fr. Ed Panlilio has expressed his intent to run for the presidency in the 2010 national elections. This adds him to the list of politicians who already have declared their intent to run, namely: SENATOR MANNY VILLAR, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA, MMDA CHAIRMAN BAYANI FERNANDO, SENATOR MAR ROXAS, MAKATI MAYOR JEJOMAR BINAY, and DEFENSE SECRETARY GILBERT TEODORO. This does not include those rumored to run but with no confirmation such as VICE PRESIDENT NOLI DE CASTRO, SENATOR FRANCIS ESCUDERO, SENATOR PANFILO LACSON, SENATOR RICHARD GORDON, and FORMER PRESIDENT JOSEPH ESTRADA. And for sure, as the months tick and inch closer to November 30, 2009, the deadline of filing for Presidential, Vice Presidential, and Senatorial Certificates of Candidacies (COCs).

Among Ed’s self-offering to the presidency was welcomed quite reluctantly, but welcomed, nonetheless, by the opposition. The administration did not comment much on his announcement, perhaps because they do not find him that formidable of a candidate like everybody else. The opposition argues, however, that Panlilio lacks the experience to become President. The statement was affirmed by Bishop Oscar Cruz, who said Panlilio is not trained for the presidency since training for the clergy does not prepare them for the presidency.