Candidates who bank on their family names

Much of the criticisms leveled at Noynoy revolves around his family name. It is being argued, I am inclined to believe that it is due to lack of better arguments, that he has nothing to show but his being a descendant of Ninoy and Cory. But is it wrong to elect someone on the basis of his descent?

Going by the adage that the acorn does not fall far from the tree, I think it is a safe bet to vote for a candidate with a name like Osmeña, Roxas, or Aquino. These are honorable names whose legacies are worth preserving by their heirs. Oh, yes, there are some issues that you can throw at those names. But definitely not about corruption or incompetence.

Compare these with the names like, er, well, never mind. I don't want to get into trouble.

The other candidates who do not bear these pedigreed names are in fact using the names of Osmeña, Roxas and Aquino in their quest for electoral victory. Look at the faces on the P50, P100 and P500 bills which they hand out like calling cards or with which they buy campaign ads.

There is a candidate who, judging by the amount he spends on his campaign ads, may be related to Jose Abad Santos, Vicente Lim and Josefa Llanes Escoda.