An Open Letter to President-Elect Aquino

Mr. President-elect:

I have been critical of your candidacy because I don’t believe that you can deliver your promise. I have my reservation, and my moments of self-outrage over what you and your cohorts are doing in front of the television. But the people have spoken, and they want you in Malacañan: a decision that I whole-heartedly accept. But before you start your business as the 15^th Philippine President, let me have some words of advice for you.

VP: The Easiest Road to Presidency

If there’s a position less preferred in the executive department, it would be the Vice President. The Vice is seen more as a jumping ledge not only for presidency, but even to the top local executive positions like mayoralty and gubernatorial ones. It is seen more as a support position than a full-fledged executive one. The provisions of the 1987 Constitution as well as the 1991 Local Government Code could further attest to the over-arching power of the Chief Executive over the affairs falling under his area of responsibility.