I find it sad that Noynoy Aquino won despite the presence of obviously better qualified candidates in the field. It appears that we Filipinos indeed lack political maturity because we let our emotions act without the benefit of intellect. As I see it, the Filipinos' overwhelming support for Noynoy is anchored on two emotions: 1) our sympathy for Tita Cory and 2) our collective distrust of PGMA.

However, if we shed our sentiments and look deeper into the characters of the presidentiables in our midst, we will find that Noynoy is severely lacking in both capacity and capability to lead our country. Ayon nga sa pelikula ni Lino Broka, "tinimbang ka ngunit kulang". Noynoy is severely wanting in several aspects needed to lead and inspire us into a better future:

1. Noynoy did not pass a single law in his 12 years in Congress and Senate. Ika nga ni Sen. Gordon, Lito Lapid is better than Noynoy because at least he was able to pass a bill. His ardent followers will argue that Noynoy's failure as a legislator does not necessarily mean he will make a bad president. But if he did not do his job as a legislator, what assurance do we have that he will do his job as a president?

2. Noynoy does not have moral ascendancy. Just take a look at his sister Kris. She's a tactless woman who once engaged in sexual liaisons with married men and proudly talked about her escapades with the media. Most of you will say it is not Kris who is running and Noynoy is not his sister's keeper. But didn't he say before that he stood as father to his siblings after Ninoy died? If so, what kind of father is he if he did not provide moral guidance to her? If he cannot guide his own sister, what assurance do we have that he will be moral in his job as president?

3. Noynoy does not put the public interest before his own. Like any politician with self-serving interests, Noynoy voted against playing the Hello Garci tape during the Congressional investigation. Noynoy also abstained during the CARP extension law. Noynoy also used his mother's position by gaining contracts in government-owned corporations for his security firm Best Security Agency (after his own initials) during Tita Cory's term. These are just some concrete examples of the kind of character Noynoy has as a politician. Once elected president, what assurance do we have that he will not repeat the same indiscretions again?

4. Noynoy does not have a mind of his own. I've attended a number of presidential forums and notice that while the other candidates delivered their opening or closing remarks extemporaneously, Noynoy consistently read from a prepared speech. During the proper forum, you will observe Noynoy furiously scanning his cheat sheets while waiting for his turn to answer. If he really has a good grasp of the issues of this country and its solutions, why does he rely on the answers prepared by his handlers?

5. Noynoy has not done anything to earn the presidency. All he has going for him is his name and the legacy of his parents. But viewed on his own merits, he really has nothing to stand on. Sadly, he did not inherit Ninoy's intelligence nor Cory's charisma. The presidency is not something that is inherited. It is to be earned hard and Noynoy certainly did nothing to earn it.

I cannot, in conscience, accept Noynoy as our new president because of the reasons stated above. His campaign is based on "if you hate this government then vote for me". But can he even provide concrete solutions to the problems besetting us aside from fanning hatred for the current administration? Are we better off with someone who just throws stones against the sinner because he has nothing better to do? Think about it. The only thing worse than a corrupt president is an incompetent president.

As an Inquirer columnist mentioned, Noynoy's campaign slogan "kung walang kurap, walang mahirap" is an oversimplification. Corruption is not the sole, much less primary, source of poverty. If Noynoy is serious in making a dent against poverty, he should show competence in the delivery of health care, access to education, basic services, infrastructure to stimulate the economy, among others. If all Noynoy can offer us is to prevent corruption, then let's give him the Ombudsman position instead. Although I doubt he'll even be effective in this position considering his dismal performance in public service.

Please do the Philippines a favor by withdrawing your support for Noynoy. If you believe that the Filipino is worth dying for, then you will also agree that Noynoy should resign!

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