In a display of unity, thirteen potential candidates for President vowed for a pure and upright elections next year. The group consists of Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Manuel Villar, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Loren Legarda and former President Joseph Estrada. Sworn statements were signed by the aspirants, promising that they will not cheat in the elections. The ousted President Estrada commented that the move was to make sure that the events of 2004 would not be repeated. “No more ‘Hello Garci’…” he added, referring to the President Macapagal Arroyo’s purported cheating in the presidential elections. The event wa organized by GMA Channel 7 and was named “Eleksyon 2010 Na,Tatakbo Ka ba?”. More of those who came were Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Eduardo “Brother Eddie” Villanueva, Jamby Madrigal and Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Villanueva expresses hope that the contenders will make good of their promise. He added that the same pledges were done in the 2004 election wherein the candidate even kneeled in the San Agustin Church, but “there was still cheating” later on. The aspirants have also written their own messages on the freedom wall following the Unity Walk consisting of 100 meters. Estrada’s message read “Walang tutulong sa Pilipino kundi kapwa” (No one will help the Filipino but a fellow Filipino). Villar wrote “For Clean Elections!”, Roxas, “For the Country!” and Pangilinan “Rock the Vote!”. The aspirants have also written their messages on a freedom wall following the 100 meter “Unity Walk” wherein the 13 have walked side by side in linked hands.

However, the question that still remains is whether the aspiring candidates will be able to hold their end of the bargain. For all the promises, the Filipino people are still sporting the wounds dealt by previous administrations.