EDITORIAL — Disappointing survey results

Pulse Asia released last Thursday a survey on who are the leading senatorial bets for the May elections, and the results aren’t exactly something to be happy about.

Most of those in the top 12 aren’t exactly of “senatorial material”.

We don’t want to name names, but we are also willing to bet you can identify them just by their descriptions. First up, there is a former PNP chief whose hands were bloodied as the result of the war on drugs during the previous administration. He already served as senator but accomplished nothing of note.

Then there are three no wait, make that four showbiz personalities, three of whom already served as senators but also did nothing noteworthy, while one is a noontime show host hoping to break into politics.

There are two brothers who want to join their other brother in the Senate.

There is a sister who wants to join her brother in the Senate.

There is a daughter who wants to join her mother in the Senate.

There is a world-class boxer who has excelled in his field, but not in public service.

So far, there only seems to be one candidate up there who is looking like he takes being a senator seriously. Sadly, others of his caliber, those of “senatorial material” are not within the so-called “magic 12”.

It’s only a small comfort that a certain self-appointed son of God isn’t in that list, him and a former action star. But that may yet change.

What is happening to our country that people want showbiz personalities, members of the same family, athletes, and other people of questionable skills and abilities to sit in our Senate?

Of course, this survey is just a reflection of people’s preference during a certain time period; the results may yet change in the future, and we certainly hope it does.

Because if this trend continues then we will have a Senate that is still dominated by actors, comedians, athletes, and members of the same family dynasty, instead of men and women who can actually make legislations to improve the condition of our country.