CANdidates for President

I can count at least 12 individuals who have signified their intentions of running for the top post of the land one year from now. During the first of a series of leadership fora, “Countdown to 2010: An ANC leadership forum” held at the Ateneo early this month, some of these would-be candidates formally made the first public presentation of their intentions to run for the presidency. It was good and informative to listen to each of their ideas on the political issues confronting the nation, while making a positive impression on the voting public at the same time. Some candidates have, much earlier, resorted to blast advertisements on television and radio which continue up to now, trying to persuade the viewers and listeners and make them remember the good things they have done to help the poor and needy. Some are being tried for their involvement in crime and corruption; the good thing is these are revealed now and we have more basis for screening out the most qualified.

With the announcement of would-be presidential candidates, several lobby groups and organizations of concerned citizens have also introduced their intentions to campaign for change in government. Sadly, it seems that, with all their good intentions, they are getting entangled, knowingly or unknowingly, into the same brand of traditional politics that they are advocating against. With many of these groups coming out, it is becoming more and more like a popularity contest, again.

People are commonly asked before they are hired by the companies where they apply for a job, whether they have been accused before or charged in court. It is a good test of integrity, honesty and sound character and this is a basic question that each Filipino should learn to ask when considering who to vote for in the coming elections. Of the total 90 million Filipinos, the National Statistics Office (NSO) identifies 12 million are poor and hungry; sadly after years of changing governments, poverty persists. We are not putting the blame on anybody, but if we want change, we should at least consider the candidates who have so far done something concrete and tangible to uplift the plight of the poor and disadvantaged.

For all the hope that Obama brings to the American nation, why should his name and personality, his youth and nationality be used to convince the masses that there is such a guy who likewise brings hope for the country based on looks, appearance and popularity? Obama’s traits and his policies on resolving the many problems facing the US government won for him the votes and his popularity was a result of those clear cut policies that the Americans unanimously believed can help uplift the economy from the gutter. This is what should be emulated. Each candidate must be evaluated by the public based on the discussion of the current issues besetting the nation and not on popularity. What does each candidate stand for? What are their policies on major concerns such as the fight against worsening corruption, food sufficiency, climate change and its impact on our environment, the long-standing Mindanao conflict and most of all, poverty alleviation.

The new organizations and advocacy groups working for change should, likewise, focus on these important national issues. Those campaigning for honest, orderly and peaceful elections aside from the COMELEC must also focus on educating the masses and the members of the marginalized sectors of society on how to use their votes wisely and honestly. They need to be aware that the perennial practice of selling their votes to the wrong candidate will, in the long run, make them poorer. We are able to prove the mettle of would-be candidates holding incumbent positions in government office who have shown good and honest performance. Aside from, at least a college education, and some experience in public administration, another important consideration is being a good head and family provider (padre de familia), having the experience of raising his own children in humility, discipline, intelligence and mostly the fear of God. For how can one lead a nation if he fails in raising a family? The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and only a God-fearing leader (who is not necessarily a religious), can have the true commitment and genuine heart to successfully lead a nation.

The list of candidates may still become shorter as we wait out next year’s elections. In the meantime, not only should we study each one’s qualifications, we should also participate in helping educate the poor and disadvantaged at this early stage, so they can participate meaningfully in making the right choice. In the end, it is God who gives and takes power so let us pray that He will favor us with a good government and a good and honest leader who CAN deliver the results.