It did not come as a surprise when Noynoy Aquino announced yesterday his acceptance of the clamor for him to run for president in next year's general election. When the clamor arose, there was no way he could reject it, nor would the crowds allow him to.
The bigger surprise would have been if Noynoy rejected the clamor. People would have been genuinely stunned by a real display of honesty and fortitude. The argument about giving power to one who did not want it would have been unshakably sustained if he refused power.
But the crowds around Noynoy already knew his decision even before he said it. There was no hint of anxiety or uncertainty in the faces of those who rushed to his press conference. In fact the air was festive. The hordes knew their politics and how it would turn out.
This early, therefore, it is already clear there will not be any change or reform under a Noynoy Aquino administration, in case he wins. This is not to say he will not try. We are not disputing the inherent goodness of Noynoy, so he will try. But will he succeed?
It is sad that after going into a retreat Noynoy still failed to discern what had been very obvious from the start: That nobody gave a damn about him until his mother died and that when the crowds showed up some people saw in their numbers the formula for their own interests.
Nobody has a monopoly of wanting only good for this country. Those who surround Noynoy may be fired by an honest desire for change and reform. But not all of them. Far more are in it for their own gain. We have seen it played out over and over again.
To be sure there is always a first time. But not this time. The first time was with Cory. But we not only failed her. We also botched our only chance. Believe it or not, but this time it is still all about chances of winning, not about change, and certainly not reform.
Principles do not vary with personalities. If this had been about principles, Noynoy could just as well have assigned the so-called Cory Magic to Mar Roxas by standing by him, even becoming his running mate. He could have told the nation this was what Cory wanted.
But this is more about winning. Roxas was just not winnable. So switches has to be made at terrible cost. But no matter, as long as winning is assured. And if this is the package, then we already know what is inside.