The Philippine Online Chronicles

I love to pamper myself at  the beauty salon once a week . My hair stylist noticed the book I was reading “Why Elections are Covered as Sport” by Sheila Coronel.

“Ma’am. Which candidate are you supporting?”

I looked up from my book and told him “No one at this point. I want to know their platforms. I have yet to read the candidate’s platforms.”

He nodded in agreement  and pretty soon we started to discuss the pros and cons of the presidentiables.

Now, who says we are just 12 million internet users, a minority of the estimated 47 million of the registered voters population? Filipino internet users are opinion leaders. and early adopters compared to traditional media consumers. Can you imagine if at least half of us educate a non-internet user and they in turn pass on the knowledge to another non-internet user. Every day I try to educate my two household staff on responsible voting, on candidates' character and competence, the candidate's capability to articulate a coherent platform or roadmap for change and transparency in campaign finance.

Get Real Philippines provides a visual guide that you can “Download, print, and DISSEMINATE the forces of enlightenment to Da Masa (and all Pinoys with no access to the Net)!” (Download the PDF file)

Source: Get Real Philippines allows download, printing and dissemination. (Download the PDF file or here)

The same site challenged presidential candidates to come out with a roadmap that befits their position.  it would help to see a leader who has it clear in his or her mind how to get us from A to B.   Before the candidates trooped to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to file their Certificate of Candidacies (COCs) this weekend,   Benign0, owner of the Get Real Philippines, further adds the “platforms” of these “parties”, are mainly motherhood statements, a "feel good" platitude about a worthy concept that few of us would disagree with but without any specified plans for realization.

These motherhood statements do NOT

(1) state a categorical position on an issue,

(2) imply specific actions that deliver measureable results based on said position, and

(3) describe in precise terms how the Philippines is envisioned to be like in 2016 (compare it to the samples provided both in The Matrix and in the Roadmap 101 article).

Benigno further adds that “politicians’ individual platforms can be used to assess

(1) how consistent they are with their party platforms,

(2) how consistent their media exposure chatter is during their campaign, and

(3) how consistently they are performing as their term of office unfolds.”

This weekend, candidates’ platforms are being announced. Make it a point to check their platforms if it is clear enough to get us from Point A to B. Take a look at  these two candidates

Noynoy Aquino’s Platform is a Social Contract with the People

Source- Printable File from Noynoy's blog

Ninoy and Mar's Mission: We will start to make these changes first in ourselves— by doing the right things, by giving value to excellence and integrity and rejecting mediocrity and dishonesty, and by giving priority to others over ourselves. We will make these changes across many aspects of our national life.

So far, no specific actions to their feel-good mission statement. Perhaps, the concrete plan of action will be revealed during the campaign period.

Nick Perlas' platform contains six pillars and was already in place even before Noynoy's platform announcement today.   Like Noynoy, he provides a basic framework but Nick provides a more complete platform with an action plan. His platform also states a Social Contract With the Filipino People, an idea derived from the Thomas Hobbes "Social Theory".

Nick Perlas elaborates that

The Partido ng Marangal na Sambayanan (PANGMASA) Platform is the Party’s social contract with the Filipino people and any other individual or institution that wants to have a relationship with the Party. It is not based on a false sense of utang na loob, paybacks or patronage. It is a platform based on principles. It is a platform that will be the basis of the new politics.

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Nick Perlas talks about six pillars & sustainability and micro-finance

 

Gilberto Teodoro and Manny Villar provide motherhood statements so far based on previous interviews.

A talented writer/strategist can easily formulate platforms that are appealing to voters but will it turn into concrete action? There lies the history, the past performance of the candidate and his principles and values as a person.

Some of us support a candidate this early but it pays to make the decision on informed choices. Will Rogers once said that "Elections are a good deal like marriages, there's no accounting for anyone's taste. Every time we see a bridegroom we wonder why she ever picked him, and it's the same with Public Officials." Take time to know each of the candidates before choosing them.

I believe the challenge for the May 2010 election is maturity in the way voters and candidates conduct themselves. It starts with ourselves- scrutinizing the candidates' clear platform and fact-checking candidate claims. We then decide on all factors combined- our gut feel, faith, values, the candidates' integrity, transparency, vision, personal background and leadership ability.  Perhaps some charm.  It doesn't end there. Conduct conversations with other voters, your family, relatives, friends or the stranger standing beside you. That is what Democracy is about, having a conversation. It can make waiting for that jeepney ride a lot more interesting. Besides, it's not so bad for the future of the Philippines, either.

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