“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances.” — Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, with his vice presidential teammate Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay in tow, formally announced his candidacy for the presidency which, in his own words, will be his last performance.

To avenge his unceremonious ouster from Malacañang after only two and a half years in office, and to vindicate himself from the stigma of corruption and ineptitude, are not exactly the best reasons for seeking the Presidency for the second time.

The nation seeks and pines for a great president and liberator, and not a comebacking former moviestar.

In the meantime, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left the other day for the obligatory ASEAN Summit in Am-Hin tourist resort outside Bangkok.

Ostensively disinterested in the local political merry-go-round, the President continues to jump from one place to another whenever she is in town, but always ending with a look-see into the Second District of her home province of Pampanga where she intends to establish her new career change as a humble representative of the people.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the lumbering Lakas-Kampi Party appear to be groping in the dark not only from desertion by supposed allies of PGMA but also from the paucity of candidates wanting to run under the administration at the national level.

At one point, the insiders hustled Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro as party standard-bearer without giving MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando a chinaman’s chance to vie for nomination and foisting party-less DPWH Sec. Jun Ebdane as an independent rival when he is reputed to be a close confidant of the President and the First Gentleman. Thus, what gives?

By the same token, a thorn on the side of the merged Lakas-Kampi and do-not-write-him-off-yet former President Fidel V. Ramos will provide the moral force and leadership to the needy when he announces his plans in mid-November.

Needless to say, the most refreshing face, and the most rounded and the most qualified candidate is new comer Sec. Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro whose main handicap is the lack to material time to package his image and project his capabilities which are feasible provided he does not depend on administration spin managers and image makers.

Alas, stranded in left field, ebullient and precocious Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has had to re-assess his Presidential chances in view apparently of the rumored waning enthusiasm of NPC Chairman Emeritus Amb. Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco of San Miguel Brewery – NPC is strictly speaking still in coalition with the administration – and the increasingly stiff competition coming from former President Estrada, LP standard bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Nacionalista Party Sen. Manny Villar, and Lakas-Kampi Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro.

On the other hand, two of the most attractive potential Vice Presidential candidates are Sen. Loren Legarda and Sen. Chiz Escudero.

Either one will be a great asset and vote-getter to a Presidential candidate.

Be that as it may, time for mobilization is running short, but jumping ship and changing allegiances are again fashionable.

On the other hand, the growing consensus is that the inordinate media hype bubble of Sen. Noynoy Aquino may not be sustainable as the public begins to question his ability to run the country.

The nation cannot risk another “puppet” or “proxy” President.

These are unusual and interesting times that call for extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice. We have not yet seen the end of the merry-go-round and betrayals.

You be the judge. (For comments and views, please e-mail: chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com.ph)