Pinoys in Vienna divided over Noynoy's presidential bid

by Hector Pascua, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau




Filipinos in Austria have mixed feelings about the decision of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to run for president in next year’s polls.

"Noynoy doesn't seem to have solid credentials. Indeed, he is a good guy at isa pa anak ng mga sinasabing heroes ng Pilipinas. He is Okay but he has no charisma and so far no leadership or even management skill,” a United Nations employee in Vienna who declined to be named told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino is the son of democracy icon President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. who was assassinated in 1983.

“The Aquino’s possesses a very clean record. Their record of decency will surely be Noynoy’s ‘political capital’ in winning widespread grassroots support from Filipinos. Di ba, kung malinis kang tao, marami kang ma-aatract din na malilinis at honest na tao? Decency coupled with dedication will surely help to make our country move forward," said Filipino economist Rene Ilagan.

Henry Llacuna of the Alpha Phi Omega Vienna chapter welcomed Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s decision to run for president.

“The Filipino people are tired of traditional politicians! Noynoy will surely change the political system of our country,” Llacuna said.

Angelita de Guzman, a Pinay nurse working in a public hospital in the city believes that the senator’s parents instilled good values in them and this is surely a very good start.

“If ever elected as President in 2010, Noynoy might not be able to make a quick change in our economy but being a honest person and hopefully having sincere, truthful government officials surrounding him, the Philippines may have a chance,” de Guzman said.

Though there are unsettled opinions of “kababayans” in Austria on Noynoy’s capability to run for President, still the majority of Filipinos here wish and pray that they would be united to help change and reform politics in the Philippines.

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