The Philippine Online Chronicles

(Undecided? Read Guide to the presidential candidates and their platform matrix.)

Once upon a time, I rooted for Noynoy as my presidential choice.  That was sometime September 2, 2009 even before Noynoy declared his candidacy. Anything to get rid of the evils of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration, please!   It is not a question of competency, I mused. Values, preservation of democracy and no ambition and intention to stay in power is the Cory legacy which Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) is not. That is the campaign line. The line, however, didn’t sit well with my two girls who are first time voters. They were adamant and incredulous, “Mom, how could you think that way? Just because he is the son of Cory Aquino?  What are the other reasons why Noynoy should be our president.  I don’t get it. It is like a political dynasty all over again. ”

I listened to my children, the hope of this country’s future. They do have a point.  I reflected and realized that I loved Cory Aquino because she saved us from the dictatorship, the enemy.  Anybody but Marcos.  If the surveys are credible, 44 % think Noynoy should be the president. Oh yes, anybody but GMA.

Seventy nine percent (79%) may not vote on anyone endorsed by  GMA.   Anybody but GMA. There is that same old line. The issue is the past administration. The issue is GMA. The factor is big because  a real crisis seemed eminent at the height of the Constituent Assembly brouhaha. People’s perception is that GMA might be a new Marcos. The fear of GMA staying in power beyond 2010 was real just before Corazon Aquino’s death. If GMA wasn’t around, there is no urgency in the Cory legacy or the Cory magic.  Noynoy represents the reform movement or new politics or so I thought.  I detached myself from this bias and  took  steps in getting to know all the presidential candidates and in the process, I will be able to share my observations with you.

A favorite topic during lunch or dinner tends to focus on one’s presidential choice. I am relieved that my relatives are still in the process of scrutinizing the candidates and their platforms.

What are the points to consider in choosing a president? If you were an employer, you set certain standards.  Grace Abella-Zata, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) President, a human resource management group narrowed down on how to pick worthy presidential candidates in the 2010 polls, just like company managers would - by careful evaluation. A potential president must perform each of the following roles in order to succeed:

1. Navigator.
- Able to steer the country towards a just and humane society, and knows how to get the country there.
- Has specific plans of action in solving problems like poverty, education, or corruption.
- Is decisive when faced with complex issues and hence, must be intelligent.

2. Mobilizer
- Must be good at building alliances to achieve consensus
- Must work well with Congress and Senate

3. Servant leader
- Must serve the people with a caring heart
- Must put the public interest first before vested interests
- Works hard and well to achieve the goals of government

4. Inspirational leader
- Must know how to work well with the press
- Can inspire unity, trust, and optimism among the people by being a good and moral leader

5. Guardian of national wealth and resources
- Allocates and uses the country's resources properly
- Demonstrates strong political will, and is able to make right decisions for the common good, even if the decision is unpopular

The top 5 things pointed out by the PMPA is quite broad but you get the gist.

For me, this is what I am looking for in a president.

1. A president has a clear platform for 2010 and beyond.

Have we not learned enough by removing President Ferdinand Marcos and later on President Joseph Estrada? The People Power 1 and People Power 2 just removed the enemy but the same old mistakes still happened.  The president needs to correct the historical shortcomings of People Power 1 and People Power 2 or else face the same mistake again and again.

The candidate may not have all the answers right now and can be honest about it.  At the very least, they offer a strategic plan based on their strength or expertise. For instance, Nick Perlas offers a very detailed plan on environment and micro-finance while Manny Villar promotes an entrepreneurial revolution.

2.  A president shows a proven track record.

Track record is important to me  since past behavior predicts future behavior. Writing bills does not cut it.  Show me some political leadership or if not, some leadership skill in a project outside politics.  You wouldn’t hire an architect or contractor if they have no experience in building a house. It doesn’t have to be a mansion.

3. A  president must lead.

He must be aware and take responsibility for the actions of those around him/her.

I will not name names here but a staff of a presidential candidate was arrogant to my request and it made me wonder in disbelief,   “Wow, if this staff can treat me this way, what more when his boss will become president?” Does this candidate even know the character of their staff and how they treat new media like myself?

Don’t get me wrong . That was just one incident. Most of the candidates’ staff are cordial and accommodating.

4. A president is available and reachable.

Who are we anyway in Blog Watch?  Like you, we are ordinary citizens who want to know more of our candidates. The  two-hour presidential forum on prime time television does not offer a clear vision and the action plans due to limited time.  The forum showed the eloquence and delivery skills of the candidate but not much on issues. Eloquence and intelligence is a plus factor but does not carry weight alone.

A candidate may  have reasons on why they don’t want to discuss their plans in details with us.  Or perhaps they are happy with their media mileage already.   It is enlightening to know that half of the presidential candidates are reachable and open to talk to us, except for one or two elusive candidates.

5. In short,  I want a  president who has the character, competency , coherent platform, clear vision to renew this nation (read more on 2010 criteria: coherent platforms, character and competency)

Character- humility, moral clarity, decency,  transparency, consistency

Competency- intelligence, practicality, energy, decisiveness, a willingness to work hard, leadership, good ideas, track record.

Coherent Platform- check their platforms if it is clear enough to get us from Point A to B. It is not just motherhood statements.

Clear Vision - a clear idea of what vision and strategic agenda to transform our country.

I call it the 4 C's where my intuition will play a role in the final deliberation.  I will not choose based on emotional appeal, celebrity status, polling and herd mentality . Just because one is popular does not mean one can deliver good results.

Executive Director Gerardo Plana of PMAP added that if none of the candidates possess all of the desired qualities, Filipino voters should pick "whoever comes closest" to fulfilling these standards.

Who is that person you can live with, even with the weaknesses? You are aware of a person's strong and weak points, so you might not get all perfect. But of all of these pluses and minuses, [ask yourself], 'Who can I live with?' That's still an enlightened decision-making process rather than any other way.

"The strategic role of a president is very different from that of a big organization's president. It requires a lot of maturity and competency in terms of moving this country forward," he said.

"In the end, it's about assessing the risks and choosing which risk is most acceptable to you. We might not get the best results now, but it's a step in the right direction," he said.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) lists down the 10 Commandments for Responsible Voting and basically gave the  same sentiments in terms of moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates.

1. Thou shalt vote according to the dictate of your conscience.

2. Thou shalt respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

3. Thou shalt seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

4. Thou shalt strive to understand the issues, platform and programs of candidates and parties seeking your vote.

5. Thou shalt not sell your vote.

6. Thou shalt not vote for candidates using guns, goons and gold.

7. Thou shalt not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption.

8. Thou shalt not vote for candidates just because of “utang na loob”, popularity, or pakikisama.

9. Thou shalt not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Thou shalt put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

If you support  a candidate today, do they have the  necessary track record, leadership qualities, vision, strategic agenda to renew the Philippines?  Enlighten me on your choice and the reasons behind it. Step back, get detached and be open with your reasons and share it here.

If you are undecided, what are you looking for in a president?

What should Filipinos look in a president?

Read more on 2010 criteria: coherent platforms, character and competency and How to select a candidate to vote for as president.

Photos by author. Some Rights Reserved.

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