Let Noynoy be his own person

Unfurling from another tack, this is a "rider" to a recent TF editorial on the preference of the president-elect for the appellation of "P.Noy", instead of the familiar "Noynoy". The bachelor chief executive may have considered "P.Noy" as cute and pleasant to the ears and nationalistic symbol to rime with, and attuned to, "Pinoy" as iconic of the nation, and typical Filipino.

Likewise, His Excellency is sold to the choice of Kris, a showbiz idol of the couch potato crowd, abuzz with populist gossips and entertainment trivia. Perhaps, there lies the fly in the ointment that ought not to infect State or government matters, so some "sour-grapers" gripe.

Obviously, gripers haven't overcome their pique from Kris' push to anoint her "buzzy" pal Boy Abunda as Tourism secretary; albeit the latter turned it down. Some credit Abunda with more sense than the irrepressible presidential sister, to decline the privilege whose career forte is on drama or sitcom scripts, not on the serious affairs of government or non-fiction.

Seriously now, is showbiz different from government? If not, why is public governance littered with thespians in the august Senate and in the House? And it's not too far that the Palace would become the home studio of klieg-lights lovers! Well, haven't these showbiz idols heard of the Bard of Avon's peroration: "What's in a name/ That which we call a rose/ By any other name/ Would smell as sweet". Or, would smell as sour and unfit?

And so, whether "Noynoy", "P.Noy" to sound like geometric equation, or CIA password, or even "PaHoy", "PaHong", or "Pakboy", or whatever, doesn't add to or detract from the true person and innate personality of the President at all. It's how he runs the Republic of the Philippines for the next six years that will stamp his place in the Philippine history that counts. But just be level-headed not to make his Cabinet showbiz top-heavy!

Remember the initial perception during President Ramon Magsaysay's time? Uncomplimentary jokes became the fare at RM's expense, as in his first state visit to the United States . While ascending the White House, a famous US general met him and inquired tactlessly how he would communicate with the American president - a dig at his simple English - but "The Guy" put the general to his place: "I will speak to your President in Tagalog".

When President Magsaysay came home with his mission accomplished, including the official US recognition of the Filipino USAFFE who fought with American soldiers in Bataan , a pleasant joke emerged. "The Guy's Tagalog was so eloquent and clear that both the White House and the Pentagon were convinced, so that they okayed RM's wishes".

This RM sidelight is intended because there are still smattering doubters of Pres. Noynoy's mental soundness and acuity, and leadership capabilities. They belittle Noynoy's experience as House member for nine years, and as a Senator, as well as his laid-back or non-aggressive personality. Say, remember the acting prowess of James Stewart and young genius James Dean, or Gary Cooper, or Hollywood superstars Merle Oberon and Meryl Streep? Their common denominator was their laid-back or subdued acting, or under-acting? President Noynoy Aquino may prove to be of the same mettle.

A humble word of advice, however, which the Filipinos silently wish is for his four sisters not to intervene in their brother's regime, unless their opinions be solicited. Perhaps it suffices that they be his steadfast moral booster and patient sounding board, albeit the consensus is that Ballsy, Pinky, and Viel can do just that, but are doubtful if Kris could seal her lips.

The first bachelor president won by a huge landslide in the first full automated elections, with his flagship slogan of "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap". He vows to run after the corruption and irregularities of his predecessor. Given the history of corruption in high governance nationwide, and among tax collecting institutions and permit or franchise-granting entities down to the LGU level, such task is awesome that totally stomping it out is easier said than done.

After all, Shakespeare has also warned: "If to do were as easy/ As to know what were good to do/ Chapels would have been churches/ Frenchmen's cottages, princes' palaces".

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