Wisdom

A few things happened in Philippine sports last week, but many things happened in politics. The week-long period to file certificates of candidacy ended two days ago. It likewise ended speculations of who runs for what position. With certainty.

For, there is no more replacement due to withdrawal, which is optional, except by reason of death, which is fatal, or disqualification, which is adversarial. Rightfully so, how can an indecisive candidate decide for the future of constituency. Except if it is mere strategy, whether it is in good or bad faith is better left to the inner voice that tells right from wrong and how to right a wrong. Or to public opinion, the outer voice that now blurs right from wrong, or worse, condone and celebrate a wrong.

The next move is how to convince the voters they deserve to serve. After filing and before campaign period, it is free for all, tempered by taste and propriety, prohibited by local ordinances and civil law on nuisance, or criminal law on libel.

Freedom of expression, premature campaign no more. The price of democracy, which is not for everyone. It works only for a people who properly exercise their democratic rights and powers. Unfortunately, they are unused, misused or abused most of the time. But removal of right does not remedy improper exercise. Education does, without reference to learning within the four walls of the classroom, it does not guarantee wisdom, but to experience in the multidimensional school of life, which does not guarantee learning either.

Such wisdom chooses a dozen out of 184 senatorial wannabes. Expect it be trimmed down, after nuisance candidates are canceled, or those without bona fide intention to run for public office. Which is tricky, intent is a state of mind. Hard to concretize. But even the verifiable that is lack of capacity to mount campaign is no longer a ground to disqualify. It borders on property qualification. Again, democracy, everyone is free to dream, until it becomes reality to the dreamer but nightmare to others.

For practical and logistical constraints, the long list will be short listed. Chances of winning does not factor. It is condescending. Should have been avoided though if they introspect, otherwise known as reality check, a rarity in virtual reality, otherwise known as delusion.

If all 184 are allowed to run just because they possess minimum qualifications, imagine the length of the ballot with all their names on it, longer than their promise lasts. But some detest those related stayed much longer in power, successively or alternately. Otherwise known as dynasty that Congress has not defined until today.

No problem really, if the people want them to stay. Essence of democracy. Even term limit deprives people of free choice, sometimes of the best among the worst. Anathema to democracy. Let the people decide, at the end of sanity, it is their destiny.