Shattering the Impossible

What's the possibility of Earth colliding with another planet, say Venus or Mars? Impossible, at least within our lifetime, as scientists forecast that could only happen after billions of years.

And this is about the time you ask why am I mixing science with politics. The answer, "What could be impossible for heavenly bodies is just a dash of humility away for us."

Today stars aligned, at least for the Liberal Party, as popular presidential aspirant Senator Manuel Roxas II gave way to his party compatriot Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Saying he believes in “country above self," Roxas, who was one of the first politicians to announce candidacy for the highest office in the land, expressed his full support to the candidacy of Sen. Noynoy despite the latter being mum of his 2010 plans.

Speaking in a televised press conference, Roxas said, “Today, I’m announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for president for 2010," adding that Sen. Noynoy said he intends "to carry the torch of leadership."

Roxas, who is set to tie the knot with broadcaster Korina Sanchez, also said that withdrawing from the May race is the toughest decision he ever made. “I do this for unity in support for change…if that means somebody has to make a sacrifice, ako na (I will),” he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Noynoy who was also present in the press conference did not speak further delaying the official announcement of his impending candidacy. This, of course, is in respect to the 40th day-mark of his mother's passing.

In a previous interview with a local TV network, Sen. Noynoy declined to say anything concrete about the results of his party's dialogues. He only said the "party is united" and that "the cause is more important than the personalities."

Roxas' gentleman-like gesture came exactly a month after President Corazon "Cory" Aquino's passing. Mrs. Aquino, Sen. Noynoy's mother, is being dubbed as the Mother of Philippine Democracy as she led the country against Marcos dictatorship in a bloodless 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Since his mother's passing, Sen. Noynoy has been getting overwhelming support from the public. A recent signature campaign was launched to gather one million votes in support of his candidacy.

Likened to his parents, who were reluctant to take the presidential baton, Sen. Noynoy is getting all the build up he wants (and he definitely needs all of it and more) as the 2010 race fast closes in.

To recall, former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. (allegedly) gave up his political ambitions for a nobler cause to restore democracy. When Sen. Ninoy was assassinated, his widow Cory was reluctantly shoved into the political limelight. Though she lost a rigged 1986 snap elections, she was sworn in office with the public's immense support.

NOTE: The fates of Senators Roxas and Aquino are seeming repetitions of the histories of their fathers former Sen. Gerry Roxas and Sen. Ninoy. The elder Roxas was originally the bet of the Liberal Party against President Ferdinand Marcos until the elder Aquino rose to popularity being the most vocal critic of Marital Law.

©Grace Ramos