But that is not the most damning evidence of Noynoy’s misplaced pride. With the latest surveys showing a reduction in his popularity rating, the senator now finds himself facing the reality that people’s perceptions can change. However, being the proud son-of-Ninoy-and-Cory that he is, the senator simply dismisses that even though it is a likely explanation for his ratings drop. Noynoy attributes it instead to his closest rival’s supposed advantages.

(excerpt from inquirer.net report) “I am not surprised with this turn of events,” said Aquino, reading a prepared statement at a press conference Wednesday. “First, our opponents have had a long head start in this campaign. And while I diligently perform my functions as a legislator, the others are practically campaigning fulltime, neglecting their mandate with those, who entrusted them with their votes,” he said. Aquino also criticized Villar’s “unprecedented and sustained ad spending in all forms of media and the unrelenting and increasingly below-the-belt and baseless black propaganda” against him.

In fairness to Noynoy, the moneyed Villar did start his campaign earlier. There’s also no denying that the former senate president is armed with a seemingly unlimited supply of advertising funds. However, it also cannot be denied that as an excuse this is as flimsy as it can get.

Villar did start campaigning earlier because, unlike Noynoy, Villar knew what he wanted and had the guts to take action. Of course, Noynoy and his supporters could say that he never craved power and was even reluctant to run for president. That’s just good old media spin. The truth is Aquino was never reluctant. Show me a reluctant opportunist and I’d believe that.

The problem with Noynoy is he now believes his own press releases. His overestimation of his qualities has blinded him to the reality that he is not impressive at all and people are beginning to take note of that. Attributing the fluctuations in his survey ratings to the imagined maneuvering of other candidates simply shows an apparent inability to consider his own shortcomings.

True to form, Noynoy even goes as far as dragging the Arroyo administration in his blame game.

(excerpt from gmanews.tv report) The Arroyo administration and the camp of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. are forming an “unholy alliance” for the May 10 elections, Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III insinuated Wednesday. Aquino made the statement after Pulse Asia released its latest survey results showing a further drop in Aquino’s ratings while Villar continues to inch closer to him despite the controversy hounding him in connection with the C5 road extension project.

I sure hope the good senator or any of his handlers would be mature enough to accept that perhaps the threat to the Aquino campaign is internal not external. And, if I may suggest, presenting a genuine platform might help Noynoy regain lost ground and destroy the perception that he doesn’t have a clue how he will lead this nation. I’m not counting on it though.

I hope I’m wrong but it seems Noynoy’s only interest is his “winnability.”

(quote lifted from gmanews.tv report) “What should not escape all of us is that I still lead the surveys—from the time I declared my candidacy to this day.