My President

I was so disheartened by the limited options given to us that for a while, I was convinced to abstain. "Not on my hands," I said. The corruption, murders, and other shortcomings of the people that I will vote for will not be on my conscience. Yet, if this is my line of thinking, then who will get to decide the future leaders of this country? Will I hand it over to the bandwagoner, to the illiterate, or worse, to the ones who sold their dignity by selling their votes? I do not think so. Thus, I need to make a decision and stand by it. Yes, I have reservations against ALL of the presidential candidates, but out of these options, I shall choose. I cannot run away or wash my hands from whatever will happen to my country.

Jejomar Binay is out of the picture because I cannot trust him, what with his corruption. There are evidences of his corruption (e.g. airconditioned piggery, overpriced parking building, etc.), and his gall to deny everything in front of the Filipino people. The reason why his corruption charges are mere accusations is not because of the lack of substantial evidence but out of his refusal to attend inquiries by the senate regarding these suspicious activities.

Grace Poe is actually an entertaining character in this whole election circus. Her telenovela story and possible intrigues, such as her refusal to undergo a DNA test with Bongbong Marcos (rumor has it that she might be Ferdinand Marcos' daughter) are interesting stories for me. Yet, I am not really looking for another entertaining public official as my president -- despite how laughable the state of our government is. Her fight to be allowed to run for office does not really say a lot about her desire for public service. If anything, what it says about her is her hunger for power. There are provisions in our constitution and her bending, nay disrespect for them is telling of her motives. She also lacks experience and, no matter how she talks about Fernando Poe Jr.'s legacy, it is only limited to action star acting and the apparent confusion for real-life and make-believe characters by the uneducated (not necessarily unschooled) voters. Her eloquence will never make up for the lack of experience. There are sharks in politics and Grace Poe will only be "eaten alive" by her enemies for her inexperience.

Miriam Defensor-Santiago is one of the people that should have been our president but the odds are simply against her. This time, it's her body against her in the form of stage 4 lung cancer. I also questioned her choice of running mate. I cannot overlook Bongbong Marcos' lack of remorse of the atrocities committed by his family during the martial law. Back to Miriam: health is of paramount importance in any type of work, especially if one is supposed to run the country. She cannot leave her seat in Malacanang and have someone look after it while she seeks for healthcare elsewhere. What I want and hope for MDS to do, though, is to continue advising and calling out our politicians. MDS' brilliance is a light that must not be put out. We need that kind of fierceness to keep the government in shape. 

Manuel Roxas was a leader who showed so much potential in his previous positions as public servant. I appreciated his "Mr. Palengke" stint years ago and he accomplished something while he was in the different positions given to him. Yet, I am unable to look past the utter lack of accountability of this man and his guts to be proud of his performance during the Yolanda Typhoon. The liberal party did some good things like improving the economy of the country, among others, but there is something about Mar that isn't quite right. I find him too hot-tempered, too partisan, and--pardon the term--too bratty. In ordinary circumstances like in private individuals, I can overlook that, but not when those traits overshadow the interest of the constituents. It's not exactly the traits that I am looking for in a leader in times of calamities and with the events now, we might as well be in a state of national calamity.

This leaves me with Rodrigo Duterte. As far as my readings go, this is what I know about him: he was a good mayor of Davao City who curbed its crime rate significantly and who implemented noteworthy projects and ordinances. He now promises to end corruption and illegal drugs within 3 to 6 months of his term. What he is NOT, however, is an ultimate solution of this country's cancer. We do not need the president to tell us to follow pedestrian rules or to segregate our garbages. My reservations against Duterte stem from the possibility of extrajudicial killings. I am afraid of that possibility. What if it does not turn out that way? What if he is able to efficiently mobilize the police and the military to our advantage? Will I not risk voting for him because of my reservations? Are they enough to trump his track record of good governance? The only way to validate his claims of improving governance is if he is voted into office. I read about federalism and I think that not all regions of the country are mature enough to handle a sudden increase in power and responsibility. Still, baby steps: we first have to make sure of the proper implementation of the law, prevent the rise of feudal landlords, pass the freedom of information bill and revise our constitution. We have so many laws, but not enough proper implementation. Perhaps we need someone who can be our role model of discipline and Duterte is the man for that job (since the options are limited, as mentioned previously). Unless we eradicate corruption, the rising economy will only bring more money for those in office with deep pockets. I think I am taking the risk with Duterte now. My reservations remain and I will continue to be critical of his performance should he be elected into office. 

I hope that the hunger for positive, lasting change trickles down to the grassroots level. I hope we each take our load and learn to discipline ourselves -- no president, senator or mayor can miraculously uplift our country. We need to do it together.

If my fear of extra-judicial killings of innocent people will come true in a Duterte presidency, then I shall stop, pray, and stand up for what I think is right when the time comes. Yet, for now, I vote. This May elections, I am convinced that Duterte is the most qualified and capable for the position.