If there of four of them form a new configuration, it is logical, therefore, to argue that those protest votes against being tied to the leg iron of either Estrada or De Venecia can fuse behind one of the three or four. They represent a credible third option. The argument that their support, reflected by their ratings, will necessarily not flow to a third option is based on illogical speculation which usually comes from undisciplined minds. If Estrada continues to be held down at 28 percent, then it shows that he is not catching fire, that most of the people are holding back, reserving their judgements and are waiting for a catalyst to force a new third force realignment. With the fused forces of the those given an outside chance, we cannot rule out an erosion from the Estrada and De Venecia camps.
Elections are never static phenomena.
They are full of surprises and sudden explosion that can shift the ground of politics and the flow of political fortunes. The argument that minority presidencies have been able to win a wider mandate after the election is specious. A majority presidency is not an absolute condition for enjoying a broad mandate and legitimacy, but it is easier to govern and call people to tighten their belts if the election gives a president a majority, especially during his first 10 days where he must have the momentum for change. True, President Ramos won the presidency with only 24 percent of the vote and, in a short time, negotiated a coalition to broaden his mandate such that he succeeded in bringing about a new majority in Congress where his new-found party had only a few seats. He will have different political skills than those of Mr. Ramos to winning a broader coalition mandate right after election cannot be replicated.