EDITORIAL - Reversal of fortunes

By all indications, the House of Representatives appears headed toward coming under very competent and dignified leadership. Congressmen are being reported as crossing party lines to support the bid of Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte to become the next speaker.

On the other hand, the Senate does not seem to enjoy a similar beneficent certainty. Its leadership question is still up in the air. There is no clear groundswell of support similar to what Belmonte seems to enjoy in the House.

There are at least four known contenders for the Senate presidency. Manny Villar is keen on regaining his old post, as does Franklin Drilon. Juan Ponce Enrile is not saying it, but when the time comes to say anything, he is more likely to say yes than to say no.

And then there is this small matter about Kiko Pangilinan also casting a moist eye at the Senate presidency. For God's sake, where in heaven did Kiko get the idea that he is of the same stuff of which the three aforementioned gentlemen are made.

In a group of Villar, Drilon, Enrile and Pangilinan, it does not take much intelligence to see who the odd man out is. And it is not Villar, or Drilon, or Enrile. Even by their first names -- Manny, Frank, Johnny and Kiko -- you already know who the crocodile will eat.

Actually, Kiko only burst into the scene because Kris Aquino is selling the idea, a development that, among other things, brings to mind the kind of vehicle that Kiko used the first time he arrived from nowhere.

Kiko rode Sharon Cuneta to the Senate. Kiko may dispute that. But in a country where showbiz has become synonymous with political power, it remains very doubtful if a man of relative obscurity and lack of physical appeal can win on his own without his megastar wife helping.

Now Kiko, with uncanny belief in his own self, is setting his sights on the Senate presidency. And this time he has the sister of the incoming president twisting a few senatorial arms on his behalf.

If Kris succeeds with her latest endorsement, this country will see a very drastic and dramatic reversal of roles in Congress. The normally well-respected Senate will come under a man named Kiko. The usually kick-around House will come under a most able stewardship in Belmonte.