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However, we should not forget that having the biggest political machinery or the bigger political party is no guarantee to a sure victory in the elections.

The recent survey released by Pulse Asia has showed a statistical tie for Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Villar, the former getting 37% and the latter 35% of the respondents nod. Former President Joseph Estrada is a distant third. This recent survey demonstrates what extensive infomercials can do. Senator Villar, regarded by many as the richest Senator, has topped the race for infomercials, he has television, radio and even newspaper infomercials like no other, he is on his way to making history in this category.

Despite the C5 issue that has hounded the camp of Senator Villar, his ratings has improved, an indication that the issue has not destroyed his public reputation. Senator Noynoy Aquino’s ratings on the other hand has gone down, this despite him not being tainted with any corruption issue. This unusual phenomenon will definitely hold many in a state of suspense until the next survey is out. As the election draws near, people begin to make final decisions, and any issue that will rock any of them may still create an impact in their ratings.

If we are to judge the two by their political machinery, it seems Villar has the edge, as he has more local bets carrying his Nacionalista Party than that of Noynoy’s Liberal Party. In our province alone, Nacionalista Party is second to Lakas- Kampi in terms of local candidates. However, we should not forget that having the biggest political machinery or the bigger political party is no guarantee to a sure victory in the elections. The national bet of the administration in the 1998 election failed despite having the strongest political machinery. Senator Miriam Santiago in 1992 when she ran for President almost won the election despite having a limited political machinery.

February 25 is fast approaching, and to us Filipinos we call such a day as EDSA People Power. While former President Ramos and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile played important roles during the EDSA People Power days, we expect that come February 25, 2010, it will be a day for the late former President Cory Aquino. It will be a yellow bannered day. The public is eagerly awaiting what Senator Noynoy Aquino will do on that special day. Will there be a resurgence in his ratings? Your guess is as good as mine, but if we are to observe what is going lately, Senator Noynoy Aquino has increased his exposure in the television and has made a clear stance against corruption, these actuations are bad signs to his rivals for the presidency.

This coming Tuesday marks the start of the campaign period for the national candidates. From February 9, 2010 up to election day, it will be a race like no other for the two protagonist for the presidency.