Cojuangco having 2nd thoughts on ’04

PONTEVEDRA, Negros Occidental — After consulting the so-called "pulso ng masa" (pulse of the masses), businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. seems to be having second thoughts about seeking the presidency in 2004.

Cojuangco, who has promised to announce his final decision on whether to run for president in the 2004 national elections by the end of August or by mid-September, admitted yesterday that he is experiencing difficulty in gaining the support of the masses in his sorties.

"They don’t consider me one of them," Cojuangco said in Filipino, adding that the people belonging to the country’s C and D classes still regard him as an elitist.

‘I have to work double-time," Cojuangco said. "Even if I have a good idea and my programs are right, a major consideration is still one’s appeal to the masses. If you don’t win they will remain ideas and dreams."

Personally, he said, he will say no to those who are urging him to run for president. "I am not looking for a job," Cojuangco said, adding that he knows the next president faces a difficult task.

Since the beginning, he said, he was willing to step back and push for someone who shares his ideals and programs.

This presidential bet, he added, should be a sure winner, he said, though he has not yet selected whose presidential bid he may support.

Referring to next year’s national polls, he said "we are going to a crossroads of our future and it is going to be an exciting election."

Over a thousand public school teaches paid tribute to Cojuangco and his wife, Gretchen, at the couple’s residence at Hacienda Balbina here.

The teachers work in public schools and were beneficiaries of Cojuangco’s Project Flagship to Reach Educational Excellence (Project FREE).

The three-year, P16-million project was implemented by the University of St. LaSalle in 1999 and, under it, 1,008 public school teachers earned their masteral and doctorate degrees for free.

The teachers work in public schools in the fourth district, which is represented by Rep. Carlos Cojuangco.

Meanwhile, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon said yesterday the opposition has not yet come up with an official presidential candidate for the 2004 elections.

Speaking at the Hiyas Convention Center In Malolos City in Bulacan, Biazon said it is too early to declare the opposition’s standard-bearer because both the opposition and administration are considering several potential presidential candidates.

"Up to now, we don’t know who would be in the opposition or with the administration," Biazon said. "There are 50 Lakas congressmen supporting the candidacy of tycoon Danding Cojuangco, but (the administration is) considering a lot of options as to who would be their official candidate," he said.

Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson has already declared his intention to run for president next year, and so has Sen. Gregorio Honasan.

Other reports said actor Fernando Poe Jr. is likely to declare his decision to join the presidential derby on Aug. 20.

Administration Sen. Juan Flavier is also reportedly set to run for president as well, and Sen. Noli de Castro topped the Social Weather Station survey of the country’s most popular presidentiable. De Castro has not announced any intention of seeking the helm of government.

"At this point, there is no such thing as a united opposition or a united administration," Biazon said. "We should first see who ate supporting these presidential hopefuls.

Meanwhile, the opposition Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) Central Luzon chapter gave Sen. Edgardo Angara "full authority to select the party’s standard-bearer for the 2004 elections.

LDP Region III officers Raul Ople, Anianas Canlas and Edgar Geniza passed a resolution expressing confidence in Angara’s leadership of the LDP and his ability to "steer the party towards victory in the 2004 national elections."

Angara said in a statement that the LDP’s Region III chapter indicates the party’s growing sentiment to allow him to make critical decisions related to the 2004 elections.

He added he was given a free hand to determine which party or political group LDP will align with in the coming electoral exerise. "More regional party meetings and consultations will be held in the coming weeks to consolidate Laban."

The LDP he said, must be strengthened and must stand together in supporting the right person to lead the country. "Our people are losing hope and we need a leader who will inspire, motivate and provide them with something they can look forward to."

The LDP, Angara said, will choose a presidential bet who must be a visionary who can reverse the successive economic setbacks that have inflicted untold suffering on Filipinos.

"Our dismal situation will turn into chaos if we make the wrong choice in 2004," he said. — With James Managhaya, Jose Rodel Clapano