Is being elected to president a matter of destiny?

Then presidential candidate Senator Benigno Aquino in his speech to his supporters during the 24th anniversary of EDSA People Power in February 2010 at the Araneta Coliseum said he would not turn his back on the  “destiny” that awaited him in the coming presidential elections.

He added “Sa mga nanlalait, hindi lang sa akin, kundi sa panawagan ng panahon, simple lang ang sagot dito: Ito ang ating tadhana (To those who are criticizing not just me but the call of the times, the answer is simple: this is our destiny).”

Some say the presidency is destiny. No matter what, if becoming president of the Republic of the Philippines is meant for you, everything will fall in place in your favor. And to some, the position will seek them; and these people (supposedly) least expect and want it. But others say its still a combination of hard work, strategy, prayers  and accepting the destiny that awaits you.

For me, the 2016 elections are a very crucial moment for our country. My prayers are that whoever is destined to be our next president will give their best because we Filipinos deserve nothing less.

Former Congressman and Minority Floor Leader Danilo E. Suarez, 3rd District, Quezon

I believe the outcome of the next presidential elections will result from programs and reforms that the electorate can resonate with, a stable political machinery and positive public perception.

Ige Ramos,book designer and food writer

No matter how brilliant the campaign, in terms of financial or human resources, at the end of the day, it is all about destiny and karma. As they say, it is written in the stars.

Bettina Osmeña, entreprenuer

I believe the presidency is 40 percent  destiny and 60 percent  good campaign strategy. You can prepare for it for years but never attain it because it’s not meant for you. You can also be miles ahead of your opponents but eventually lose the election because of poor political management.

Dennis D. Garcia, CEO/creative director Strategy & Magic Creative Consultancy

Being elected president is not a case of good luck or destiny — it simply means being blessed with the best brains that can come up with that one meaningful, credible and memorable message that resonates with the greatest number of Filipinos.

Senator Pia Cayetano

I think it’s a combination of both: Filipino voters are naturally drawn to candidates with an interesting if not a tear-jerking backstory. And it is this continuing life story that chronicles who he/she rose from obscurity to the cusp of being elected to the highest post in the land that we often refer to as that candidate’s “destiny”.

But a good backstory is not always enough. To be compelling, the story has to be relayed to voters in a way that helps them relate to the candidate and how the candidate can uplift their lives.  Accurate or not, that’s where the campaign strategy part comes in.

Adolf Azcuna, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

It’s a combination of many factors — strategy, charisma, timing, resources — and yes, ultimately, destiny.  As they say it’s good to be good but it’s best to be lucky. But luck is simply when preparation meets opportunity. So do your homework, then seize the day.

Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz V, Special Envoy of the President to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

For me, ample educational preparation, seizing opportunities, good strategy, creativity in securing donors, a great marketing campaign and being able to use your resources to watch your ballots are all what everyone now defers to as “destiny.”

Lolit Solis, writer,TV host

Destiny. The best campaign for me was the one conducted for Manny Villar. Ganda ng song, very competent people around but bigla na lang namatay siI former President Cory. Also for Roman Romulo to be in Senator Grace Poe’s ticket instead of the other party.

Former Cainta Mayor Mon Ilagan

Having a good campaign strategy will boost the chances of winning the presidency, combined with the strength of a presidential candidate based on competence, executive ability, and genuine compassion to help and serve the poorest of the poor. Bottom line is, it’s still the people’s choice, vox populi, vox dei, ergo the presidency is destiny.

Mandaluyong Rep. Boyet Gonzales, Majority Leader, House of Representatives

It’s both. It cannot be just pure destiny or a good campaign strategy alone. If a presidential candidate only gets it in his or her head that it his/her destiny but doesn’t establish a good and clever strategy, form a strong political network and machinery, then everything will be for naught. On the other hand, as we’ve seen in past presidential elections, the standard bearer of a party can have a very strong machinery and a solid organization but still be unsuccessful in winning. In this particular case, it may be said that “destiny” intervened. So in my opinion, once one believes that it is their destiny to be the president of a country, they must then claim it and really work hard for it because it will never be delivered on a silver platter.