Popularity not an index of good leadership

Popularity not an index of good leadership

These past few days the political landscape in our country has become volatile and unpredictable. Unexpectedly, Senator Mar Roxas gave up his bid for the presidency in favor of Senator Noynoy Aquino. If national elections were held today, for sure Senator Aquino would win as president because of his rapid and astounding popularity nowadays.

However, popularity should not be used as an index to vote politicians into public office. Let us first and foremost examine the platform of government of these aspiring politicians. Are they reflective of our ideals and aspirations as a people? Are they pro-God, pro-poor, pro-environment, or pro-life? Let us ask too whether they live moral lives and are practicing the Gospel values. Are these politicians good models for our children? Are their modest ways and lifestyle worthy of emulation? Let us check too whether or not money is their only god. Are these politicians motivated by their lust for money? Would these politicians use their authorities and influence to enrich themselves and impoverish the whole country because of their greediness for material wealth?

It is worthy to note that there are some rare breed politicians who in spite of their being poor and virtually unknown are also sincere and are desirous to serve the country. These are the politicians who are nameless and voiceless yet they live with good manners and right conduct, with character and competence to lead our country. These are the politicians who can ill-afford to spend millions of pesos to project their image using infomercials. These are the same politicians who place God at the center of politics.

If we choose politicians still on the basis of popularity then I think our country is moving once more in the wrong direction. It becomes a cyclical life for us Filipinos. We elect the wrong leaders then we later whine and complain of their wrongdoings; after which we clamor for ethical and moral leaders to replace these unscrupulous leaders. But when elections come, we still choose the most popular candidates to lead us even when we know that they are undeserving because they lead shady and dishonest lives. When will we ever learn to choose the right leaders of our country?

Orson Welles says “popularity should be no scale for the election of politicians. If it would depend on popularity, Donald Duck and The Muppets would take seats in senate.”