His late, lamented father, Ninoy Aquino, was a leading Senator and one of the stalwarts against the Marcos regime. He suffered years in prison, and was shot in the head by military personnel as he disembarked from the plane that brought him back from exile. His assasination sparked massive street protests that were the beginning of the end for the Marcos dictatorship.

Noynoy's mother, Cory Aquino, is a former President respected for her integrity. She united the Marcos opposition and oversaw the difficult transition from 25 years of dictatorship to a freewheeling democracy. She was Time's Person of the Year in 1986. Her speech before a joint session of the US Congress resulted in more standing ovations than any other speaker.

Then there's Noynoy's sister, Kris, who is the host of a showbiz gossip talk show. She has been involved in relationships with several married men, one of whom she claimed (on live TV) gave her venereal disease. Kris lives her life in public, complete with all the gory details. She is now going through a very public row with her current husband, who has been accused of adultery.

So who's face do you think Noynoy chooses to plaster on his campaign posters, complete with an endorsement? Kris, of course.

That tells you all you need to know about politics in the Philippines.