In fact, it is difficult to attribute action of any kind to de Villa. And then there is Imelda Marcos, the flamboyant, shoe-loving widow of the late dictator Ferdinand. Most voters, however, are not likely to have forgotten that persecution, corruption and material excess were precisely the things her husband's administration excelled in. The CBCP recently released a pastoral letter urging voters to choose candidates with competence, personal integrity and commitment to the common good. The bishops defined personal integrity as respecting human rights, being honest in handling public funds, and being upright in private and family life.
Voters appear to agree.
Given the wide-open race, the candidates have been fighting for every possible advantage. Making big promises has been one way of going about it. Estrada, for instance, pledges solemnly that his government would lead in making sacrifices for the country. I will personally lead the war against drugs, kidnapping and other syndicated crimes. I will eliminate the activities of kidnappers and robbery gangs within six months of my presidency.