In 2009, Philippine Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II made what he called the toughest decision of his life. On the heels of Philippine democracy icon and former President Corazon Aquino’s death, Roxas, the leader of the country’s influential Liberal Party, abandoned his presidential ambitions to run for vice president and allowed a younger senator, Benigno Aquino III — more popularly known as Noynoy — to run for the highest office in the Philippines.
Many doubted Aquino’s rapid and reluctant rise to the presidency. Mild-mannered and lacking accomplishment during his years as a congressman and senator, upon being elected there was deep suspicion that he lacked the resolve and backbone to manage the uncompromising world of Philippine government and politics.
Six years later, as Aquino steps down and national elections approach, his legacy is already under scrutiny. His friend and fellow Liberal Party member Roxas is running for president, but struggling to appeal to voters due to his lackluster performance as interior secretary and links to the political elite. He is being overshadowed by a peculiar cast of presidential aspirants. A firebrand mayor from Mindanao best known for supporting the execution of suspected criminals. A first-term senator nearly disqualified from running due to her now-renounced American citizenship. The sitting vice president and former Makati mayor under indictment on corruption charges. A veteran senator sharing her ticket with a former dictator’s son.
About the author
Pete Troilo
Former director of global advisory and analysis, Pete managed all Devex research and analysis operations worldwide and monitors key trends in the global development business. Prior to joining Devex, Pete was a political and security risk consultant with a focus on Southeast Asia. He has also advised the U.S. government on foreign policy and led projects for the Asian Development Bank and International Finance Corp. He still consults for Devex on a project basis.
