Gordon's nephew files candidacy for president
By Anna Valmero, Philip Tubeza
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:33:00 11/23/2009
Filed Under: Politics, Elections, Eleksyon 2010
MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday accepted the candidacy for presidency of John Carlos “JC” Delos Reyes, standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran party and nephew of Senator Richard Gordon.
Delos Reyes, an Olongapo City councilor, filed his certificate of candidacy along with his running mate, Dominador Chipeco Jr. of Laguna, and his seven-man senatorial slate.
Gordon, whose sister is Delos Reyes’s mother, himself has expressed plans to join the presidential race, but has yet to submit his certificate of candidacy before the poll body.
Ang Kapatiran Party, which has been joining the election since 2004, boasts of a voters’ base of 800,000, Delos Reyes said.
Its candidates for senator are composed of social scientist and consultant Rizalito David, lawyer Jo Aurea Imbong, professor Zosimo Jesus Paredes, journalist and consumer advocate Adrian Sison, councilor and professor Reginald Tamayo, Hector Tarrazona, and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa Jr.
In filing his candidacy, Delos Reyes called for a new kind of politics
. He warned that even if the Comelec was cleaned of corruption, the electoral system would still remain rotten if voters continued to put in office traditional politicians who would use their offices to protect vested interests.
Instead of the traditional infomercials, Delos Reyes said his party will embark on a house-to-house campaign to give them a chance to deal directly with the voters, said Delos Reyes, who is serving his third term as a city councilor.
“Enough is enough. Something ought to be done to free the Filipinos from the corrupt, dirty, and unproductive political parties. We are introducing prophetic politics of personal and social transformation through our agenda that aims to cleanse the system of dynasties, gun control, and the like,” said Delos Reyes.
The 12-point program of Ang Kapatiran is anchored on serving God and country, economic reform, quality education for all, justice, and peace, said Delos Reyes.
Ang Kapatiran fielded three senatorial candidates in the 2007 elections. None of them won although their bets garnered votes reaching hundreds of thousands.
Since Friday, the Comelec has accepted candidacies of 14 for president, one for vice president, and three for senator, according to Comelec law department records.
Deadline for filing of candidacies is midnight of December 1.
Monday, November 23, 2009
OLongapo councilor De los Reyes formalizes presidential bid
Olongapo councilor De los Reyes formalizes presidential bid
KIM TAN and ANDREO CALONZO, GMANews.TV
11/23/2009 | 03:53 PM
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Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos “JC" De los Reyes on Monday formalized his presidential bid in the 2010 elections by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), becoming the 16th aspirant for the country's top elective post.
De los Reyes, the 39-year-old bet of the Ang Kapatiran National Political Party, filed his COC with the Comelec law department at 2:10 p.m.
Ang Kapatiran's presidential bet JC De los Reyes, together with running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr. and senatorial candidate Reginald Tamayo, formalizes his bid for the government's highest post in 2010. - Andreo Calonzo
Interviewed by reporters, De los Reyes said he filed his candidacy early “to get it over with."
"We also wanted it to coincide with the Mass just held at the Sta. Cruz Church. It’s just a general message to the lay faithful that even if we perfect the automation, if we elect rotten leaders, everything will still go to waste," he said in Filipino.
De los Reyes was accompanied by his running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr., and his party’s seven senatorial candidates: social scientist Rizalito David; lawyers Jo Aurea, Zosimo Paredes, and Adrian Sison; teachers Reginald Tamayo and Hector Tarrazona; and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr.
He said his party’s bets might not be popular but are all "local gems" who do not practice traditional politics.
In the 2007 elections, De los Reyes was the only winner among the Kapitaran Party candidates. He placed second in the 10 slots for the Olongapo City council. He studied B.A. Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, USA. After graduating, he taught Philosophy at the University of Asia and Pacific.
He later pursued his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1999 and his law degree at the Saint Louis University in Baguio City in 2005.
In September, De los Reyes appeared as guest on GMANews.TV’s web show "Exchange" where he talked about the implications of being an independent candidate.
The Olongapo City councilor is married to Dunia Valenzuela with three children, Gabriel 10, Santiago, 7, and Barbara 5.
Since Friday, 21 presidential aspirants, one vice presidential aspirant, and 10 senatorial aspirants have filed their COCs with the Comelec. - RSJ, GMANews.TV
KIM TAN and ANDREO CALONZO, GMANews.TV
11/23/2009 | 03:53 PM
Email the Editor Print | | More
Share
Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos “JC" De los Reyes on Monday formalized his presidential bid in the 2010 elections by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), becoming the 16th aspirant for the country's top elective post.
De los Reyes, the 39-year-old bet of the Ang Kapatiran National Political Party, filed his COC with the Comelec law department at 2:10 p.m.
Ang Kapatiran's presidential bet JC De los Reyes, together with running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr. and senatorial candidate Reginald Tamayo, formalizes his bid for the government's highest post in 2010. - Andreo Calonzo
Interviewed by reporters, De los Reyes said he filed his candidacy early “to get it over with."
"We also wanted it to coincide with the Mass just held at the Sta. Cruz Church. It’s just a general message to the lay faithful that even if we perfect the automation, if we elect rotten leaders, everything will still go to waste," he said in Filipino.
De los Reyes was accompanied by his running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr., and his party’s seven senatorial candidates: social scientist Rizalito David; lawyers Jo Aurea, Zosimo Paredes, and Adrian Sison; teachers Reginald Tamayo and Hector Tarrazona; and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr.
He said his party’s bets might not be popular but are all "local gems" who do not practice traditional politics.
In the 2007 elections, De los Reyes was the only winner among the Kapitaran Party candidates. He placed second in the 10 slots for the Olongapo City council. He studied B.A. Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, USA. After graduating, he taught Philosophy at the University of Asia and Pacific.
He later pursued his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1999 and his law degree at the Saint Louis University in Baguio City in 2005.
In September, De los Reyes appeared as guest on GMANews.TV’s web show "Exchange" where he talked about the implications of being an independent candidate.
The Olongapo City councilor is married to Dunia Valenzuela with three children, Gabriel 10, Santiago, 7, and Barbara 5.
Since Friday, 21 presidential aspirants, one vice presidential aspirant, and 10 senatorial aspirants have filed their COCs with the Comelec. - RSJ, GMANews.TV
Cardinal, bishops bless faith-based party bets
Cardinal, bishops bless faith-based party bets
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 14:52:00 11/23/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Elections, Politics, Religions
MANILA, Philippines—Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Monday celebrated mass at the Sta. Cruz church in Manila for the candidates of the fledgling Ang Kapatiran Party (Brotherhood Party) led by its presidential candidate John Carlos "JC" de los Angeles.
Party founder Nandy Pacheco said his group asked Catholic Church leaders to bless them before their candidates file their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections on Monday.
With Rosales were Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.
Ang Kapatiran says it seeks to restore morality in government service and declares its party principles to be based on their Catholic faith.
Comelec has set the period from November 20 to December 1, 2009 for the filing of certificates of candidacies nationwide.
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 14:52:00 11/23/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Elections, Politics, Religions
MANILA, Philippines—Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Monday celebrated mass at the Sta. Cruz church in Manila for the candidates of the fledgling Ang Kapatiran Party (Brotherhood Party) led by its presidential candidate John Carlos "JC" de los Angeles.
Party founder Nandy Pacheco said his group asked Catholic Church leaders to bless them before their candidates file their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections on Monday.
With Rosales were Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.
Ang Kapatiran says it seeks to restore morality in government service and declares its party principles to be based on their Catholic faith.
Comelec has set the period from November 20 to December 1, 2009 for the filing of certificates of candidacies nationwide.
Monday, October 26, 2009
This group hasn't caught 'yellow fever'
This group hasn’t caught ‘yellow fever’
By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: October 19, 2009
MANILA, Philippines—A young political party seems immune from the “yellow fever” that is fast spreading, together with the rising popularity of the No. 1 presidential aspirant, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Ang Kapatiran president Eric Manalang on Sunday said his group had rejected invitations to support Aquino because the Liberal Party standard-bearer was offering the usual “trapo (traditional) politics.”
“This Noynoy phenomenon again shows the highest form of personality politics, one that is driving the elite from all sides—from the time of the Marcoses and Cojuangcos to the time of the Arroyos—to unite and bet on him,” Manalang told the Inquirer.
“Once again, members of the elite are bringing the other clueless middle class to their fold,” he said.
Aquino, who topped the latest Social Weather Stations survey of presidential aspirants, nevertheless continued to draw cheers, especially in his provincial tours.
On Saturday, he revved up the party machinery in Bohol by tapping show biz celebrity Cesar Montano as one of his lieutenants in the province.
New epidemic
Manalang’s statements marked a rare, if not the first, instance an opposing political party became openly critical of Aquino since the senator declared his intention to run for president on Sept. 9.
Clamor mounted for the only son of the late President Corazon Aquino and martyred opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. to aim for Malacañang after his mother died of colon cancer on Aug. 1.
“Everyone catches the ‘yellow’ fever which is now an epidemic that doesn’t exactly bring more principles in Philippine politics,” Manalang said, alluding to the campaign color adopted by Aquino’s parents.
Formed in 2004, Kapatiran promotes itself as an alternative to the more established parties, espousing what it calls “politics of virtue,” nonviolence and the application of Church teachings to governance. It took part in national elections for the first time in 2007.
Manalang also questioned Aquino’s campaign strategy, particularly when it started encouraging ordinary Filipinos to contribute to his campaign fund.
“It’s crazy. These people (Aquino and his backers) have all the money. The call is just a matter of sound bites,” he said.
Manalang also questioned Aquino’s track record in public service.
Any super deeds?
“It’s as if Noynoy has done any super deeds in the past,” Manalang said. “He really hasn’t done anything that would be anywhere near what his mother or father had done.”
According to his official website www.noynoy.ph, Aquino has authored a total of nine bills and eight resolutions in his tenure as senator.
The party has announced it would field Olongapo City Councilor JC de los Reyes in next year’s presidential derby.
Ang Kapatiran has also filled up eight of the 12 slots in its senatorial lineup, Manalang disclosed. They included Dominador Chipeco Jr., a human resource expert from Laguna; Reginald Tamayo, a longtime councilor from Aparri, Cagayan; and Manny Valdehueza, an “anti-trapo” advocate from Cagayan de Oro City.
The ticket will again include Martin Bautista, Jesus Paredes, and Adrian Sison, who all ran for senator in 2007, Manalang said.
Bohol welcome
In Tagbilaran City, Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, received a warm welcome from supporters during a mass oath-taking ceremony for LP members.
In his solidarity message, Aquino reiterated his platform, which, he said, would be anchored on good governance, transparency, fighting graft and corruption, and sound and sustainable development and commitment to the poor.
“Corruption is the single biggest threat to our democracy. It deprives the poor of the social services they badly need. It destroys the moral fiber of our society,” Aquino told the gathering at JJ’s Seafood Village. With a report from Kit Bagaipo, Inquirer Visayas
By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: October 19, 2009
MANILA, Philippines—A young political party seems immune from the “yellow fever” that is fast spreading, together with the rising popularity of the No. 1 presidential aspirant, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Ang Kapatiran president Eric Manalang on Sunday said his group had rejected invitations to support Aquino because the Liberal Party standard-bearer was offering the usual “trapo (traditional) politics.”
“This Noynoy phenomenon again shows the highest form of personality politics, one that is driving the elite from all sides—from the time of the Marcoses and Cojuangcos to the time of the Arroyos—to unite and bet on him,” Manalang told the Inquirer.
“Once again, members of the elite are bringing the other clueless middle class to their fold,” he said.
Aquino, who topped the latest Social Weather Stations survey of presidential aspirants, nevertheless continued to draw cheers, especially in his provincial tours.
On Saturday, he revved up the party machinery in Bohol by tapping show biz celebrity Cesar Montano as one of his lieutenants in the province.
New epidemic
Manalang’s statements marked a rare, if not the first, instance an opposing political party became openly critical of Aquino since the senator declared his intention to run for president on Sept. 9.
Clamor mounted for the only son of the late President Corazon Aquino and martyred opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. to aim for Malacañang after his mother died of colon cancer on Aug. 1.
“Everyone catches the ‘yellow’ fever which is now an epidemic that doesn’t exactly bring more principles in Philippine politics,” Manalang said, alluding to the campaign color adopted by Aquino’s parents.
Formed in 2004, Kapatiran promotes itself as an alternative to the more established parties, espousing what it calls “politics of virtue,” nonviolence and the application of Church teachings to governance. It took part in national elections for the first time in 2007.
Manalang also questioned Aquino’s campaign strategy, particularly when it started encouraging ordinary Filipinos to contribute to his campaign fund.
“It’s crazy. These people (Aquino and his backers) have all the money. The call is just a matter of sound bites,” he said.
Manalang also questioned Aquino’s track record in public service.
Any super deeds?
“It’s as if Noynoy has done any super deeds in the past,” Manalang said. “He really hasn’t done anything that would be anywhere near what his mother or father had done.”
According to his official website www.noynoy.ph, Aquino has authored a total of nine bills and eight resolutions in his tenure as senator.
The party has announced it would field Olongapo City Councilor JC de los Reyes in next year’s presidential derby.
Ang Kapatiran has also filled up eight of the 12 slots in its senatorial lineup, Manalang disclosed. They included Dominador Chipeco Jr., a human resource expert from Laguna; Reginald Tamayo, a longtime councilor from Aparri, Cagayan; and Manny Valdehueza, an “anti-trapo” advocate from Cagayan de Oro City.
The ticket will again include Martin Bautista, Jesus Paredes, and Adrian Sison, who all ran for senator in 2007, Manalang said.
Bohol welcome
In Tagbilaran City, Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, received a warm welcome from supporters during a mass oath-taking ceremony for LP members.
In his solidarity message, Aquino reiterated his platform, which, he said, would be anchored on good governance, transparency, fighting graft and corruption, and sound and sustainable development and commitment to the poor.
“Corruption is the single biggest threat to our democracy. It deprives the poor of the social services they badly need. It destroys the moral fiber of our society,” Aquino told the gathering at JJ’s Seafood Village. With a report from Kit Bagaipo, Inquirer Visayas
Friday, October 16, 2009
Helpless government?
Helpless government?
Some say the government seems wishy-washy in responding to the unwelcome consequences of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. There are practically hues and cries everywhere asking for help from the government and, in turn, the government is baffled as to what it should prioritize. It is good that there are private companies and individuals who volunteer their resources and time to alleviate our trouble typhoon victims. The cash and in-kind donations amassed by the two giant television networks for sure assuaged the burden of the government to look for enormous funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of the victims. We are thankful that there are many generous and unselfish Samaritans around in these times of crises to lend a hand. Probably they are aware that the government is not ready yet to solely borne the responsibility of caring for the victims.
From my own personal view, the government should think of the following suggestions:
1. Strengthen the local disasters coordinating councils. These councils should not only convene during calamities. A disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan, and conduct drills should be a must for these councils;
2. It is time for the senators and the congressmen to make a supreme sacrifice of parting some of their pork barrel funds and create a common subsidy for the rehabilitation of devastated infrastructures like schools, roads, and the like;
3. The government should not only offer money to those victims to go back to their respective provinces- it should also ensure that they have a place to go in their provinces like relatives, and that their children can go back to school. Otherwise, they would be an added predicament of the concerned local government units;
4. A law should be designed requiring bus, jeepney, taxi drivers, would-be couples and all others to plant seedlings prior to the issuance of their driver’s license and marriage license;
5. The cost of damage probably is to the tune of millions of pesos. Why not make a comprehensive plan for a true-to-goodness flood control and fund it even if it requires a huge capital outlay? It is better to fund this project than to use it for rehabilitation purposes; and,
6. There should be a 25-year moratorium on extractive and logging activities to allow our legislators to review our mining and forestry laws.
I am sure the government is trying its best to make its presence felt in times of these crises. It is not helpless as it employs all means at its disposal to help the victims of the typhoons. I am confident that the government heeds too to unsolicited suggestions such as this.
Some say the government seems wishy-washy in responding to the unwelcome consequences of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. There are practically hues and cries everywhere asking for help from the government and, in turn, the government is baffled as to what it should prioritize. It is good that there are private companies and individuals who volunteer their resources and time to alleviate our trouble typhoon victims. The cash and in-kind donations amassed by the two giant television networks for sure assuaged the burden of the government to look for enormous funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of the victims. We are thankful that there are many generous and unselfish Samaritans around in these times of crises to lend a hand. Probably they are aware that the government is not ready yet to solely borne the responsibility of caring for the victims.
From my own personal view, the government should think of the following suggestions:
1. Strengthen the local disasters coordinating councils. These councils should not only convene during calamities. A disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan, and conduct drills should be a must for these councils;
2. It is time for the senators and the congressmen to make a supreme sacrifice of parting some of their pork barrel funds and create a common subsidy for the rehabilitation of devastated infrastructures like schools, roads, and the like;
3. The government should not only offer money to those victims to go back to their respective provinces- it should also ensure that they have a place to go in their provinces like relatives, and that their children can go back to school. Otherwise, they would be an added predicament of the concerned local government units;
4. A law should be designed requiring bus, jeepney, taxi drivers, would-be couples and all others to plant seedlings prior to the issuance of their driver’s license and marriage license;
5. The cost of damage probably is to the tune of millions of pesos. Why not make a comprehensive plan for a true-to-goodness flood control and fund it even if it requires a huge capital outlay? It is better to fund this project than to use it for rehabilitation purposes; and,
6. There should be a 25-year moratorium on extractive and logging activities to allow our legislators to review our mining and forestry laws.
I am sure the government is trying its best to make its presence felt in times of these crises. It is not helpless as it employs all means at its disposal to help the victims of the typhoons. I am confident that the government heeds too to unsolicited suggestions such as this.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Parroting a ghostwriter's piece
Parroting a ghostwriter's piece
Please allow me to comment on the highly incensed speeches delivered by Senator Panfilo and Senator Jinggoy Estrada. I agree that the exchange of verbal darts between the two is incredibly “lamentable, deplorable and sickening.” Let me add another description- it is irritating. Tensions run high in the Senate hall because it is evident that the two senators are gnashing their teeth as they delivered their speeches with almost perfect rhetorical grace and theatrics. After hearing their speeches, one would think that it is shameless and useless to dedicate one’s time to be listening to old tunes that were rehashed.
However, it is a great day for their ghostwriters, if there are any. I am sure their ghostwriters in the preparation of their speeches aided these two Senators the reason being that senators generally are pre-occupied with their other non-legislative tasks and they don’t have the material time perhaps to prepare their enlightened speeches. However, the big question is whether their involvement in the preparation of their speeches is true because otherwise, it would be irresponsible and reckless for these two senators be handed their respective speeches and deliver them without knowing their content. The senators in this case would just be parroting what the ghostwriters prepared. Take away the prepared speeches, probably they would be clueless about the issues to the extent of exposing their ignorance, unfiltered self and woefully incompetence.
We thank for the ghostwriters who help speakers appear as knowledgeable authorities. The adulation and reverence accorded to these public figures like the senators are to be attributed to the intellectual acumen and writing skills of the ghostwriters. My only is that wish that ghostwriters should be more prudent in the preparation of speeches to be delivered by our public officials. They should not fan the burning issues of the day into becoming a hellish inferno.
Please allow me to comment on the highly incensed speeches delivered by Senator Panfilo and Senator Jinggoy Estrada. I agree that the exchange of verbal darts between the two is incredibly “lamentable, deplorable and sickening.” Let me add another description- it is irritating. Tensions run high in the Senate hall because it is evident that the two senators are gnashing their teeth as they delivered their speeches with almost perfect rhetorical grace and theatrics. After hearing their speeches, one would think that it is shameless and useless to dedicate one’s time to be listening to old tunes that were rehashed.
However, it is a great day for their ghostwriters, if there are any. I am sure their ghostwriters in the preparation of their speeches aided these two Senators the reason being that senators generally are pre-occupied with their other non-legislative tasks and they don’t have the material time perhaps to prepare their enlightened speeches. However, the big question is whether their involvement in the preparation of their speeches is true because otherwise, it would be irresponsible and reckless for these two senators be handed their respective speeches and deliver them without knowing their content. The senators in this case would just be parroting what the ghostwriters prepared. Take away the prepared speeches, probably they would be clueless about the issues to the extent of exposing their ignorance, unfiltered self and woefully incompetence.
We thank for the ghostwriters who help speakers appear as knowledgeable authorities. The adulation and reverence accorded to these public figures like the senators are to be attributed to the intellectual acumen and writing skills of the ghostwriters. My only is that wish that ghostwriters should be more prudent in the preparation of speeches to be delivered by our public officials. They should not fan the burning issues of the day into becoming a hellish inferno.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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.”
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.”
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