Philippines election

Photo: Nacho Hernandez for The International Herald Tribune

This coming Monday we have elections in the Philippines. Who will win? seems to be wondering candidate Joseph Estrada, above.

The latest polls give a considerable advantage to "Noynoy" Aquino, standard-bearer of the Aquino dynasty after the recent death of his mother, former (and beloved) President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. His father was Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, opposition leader against dictator Ferdinand Marcos murdered upon his return from exile at the airport that today carries his name.

Tied in the second place are tycoon Manny Villar, favorite until Aquino entered the race, and populist candidate Joseph Estrada, deposed former President sentenced to life in prison and later pardoned by exiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Aquino camp has hinted that if the presidency is snatched from him via rigged elections (very common in the Philippines) the People Power should take EDSA once more. If Estrada wins there would also be an interesting "debate", as many believe that legally he should not be allowed to become President again.

To make things more uncertain this is the first time that the election will be fully automated. A mock election to test the machines that will count the votes electronically was a total failure only a few days ago.

The week promises to be interesting in Manila ...


Update: "Noynoy" Aquino had a landslide victory, Estrada was second millions of votes behind. Good luck to the new President.