Hello ladies and gentlemen. I am once again writing this article because certain individuals have been asking me, rather repetitively, who am I going to vote for in the 2016 election and what they need to look for in a good candidate. Before I begin, I’d like to take the time to call out some of you on why I even need to mention what you should look for in a good leader. I mean come on, isn’t that something that you should know for yourself? Don’t you think that as a democratic country, it falls to each of us to see for ourselves who we should be voting for? Aren’t these questions we should consider carefully before we even decide to vote? Anyway, that’s enough ranting, time for me to get to the point before the lot of you get bored or something. Listen close now, because I’m only going to say this. Although I kinda bet I’ll be eating my words because some of you will probably miss the point again.
A Vision
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Benign0, Fallen Angel and Ilda repeat themselves silly with this idea but still, for some reason, there are those of you who still don’t get it at all.
Anyway “vision” is about seeing the positive aspects of the Philippines and what kind of society they’ll make in the far future. For example, if we could somehow instill a sense of discipline and harmony among our people, could we ever become anything like Singapore or South Korea? Another instance would be if we were to find a way to wisely consume our resources and put them to good use, could we be as wealthy and influential as Brazil and Morocco?
However, I also need to remind some people that “vision” is not the same as “illusion”. Vision is something we can reach towards and eventually achieve if we all do our part. Vision is not a useless fantasy meant to cover harsh but undeniable truths. President Aquino may make his “straight path” seem as flowery as possible but he can never deny that it is essentially a road to Hell.
An Sense Of Pragmatism
I remember Fallen Angel saying something about some of the greatest leaders were often possessed selfish motives. Truth be told, that is a simple reality we just have to live with. You have to remember that when it comes to business, it’s usually the people with the most aggressive strategies that make the biggest profits. While a good leader might not need to be heartless, they should be the type who won’t let their emotions get the better of them and prevent them from doing what is right.
Typical Pinoys often fall easily for the candidate playing nice. You have to remember that being nice often isn’t enough. Can “nice” enable one to go toe to toe with the more corrupt elements of society and liberate the poor? Can “nice” defend the country from ruthless foreign invaders? Considering the kind of culture we have and the wickedness inherent in it, what we need is a leader who can “think like the enemy” as Zun Tzu would say and can trade blow for blow with the influential scum of our country as well as keep up with the nefarious minds of foreign enemies.
True Wit
I know that there are those of you who may look down on Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. In fact, there have been those who even believe that the woman is more than a little unstable. However, if you compare her to President Aquino who refuses to approve solar and wind generator on the basis that the sun might be obscured or that the wind might be still, respectively, there is simply no competition to be had.
Being smart isn’t just about talking smart, ladies and gentlemen. It is about planning ahead, considering options and making sound and steady decisions. Also note that just because a candidate came from a prestigious school doesn’t mean he or she is supposed to be intelligent. Remember always that even school officials can be paid off.
Has A Sense Of Empathy
The problem with typical Pinoys is that they are easily hoodwinked by candidates who eat with their hands, shake hands with the poor or give freebies and assume that these people actually “care”. Sure they care. They care about your votes and that’s pretty much how far it goes.
If you ask me though, as I’ve mentioned ad nauseum, caring is centered on the word “empathy”. It’s about putting yourself in the shoes of the other guy. It’s about knowing their pain and understanding how it must affect them on a personal level. For instance, can you imagine yourself eating pagpag just so you won’t starve to death? Can you even bring yourself to feed your family pagpag knowing that what you’re feeding them is essentially vomit?
A candidate who truly cares about the Philippines will be one who can finally put an end to the system that essentially forces our countrymen to slave away overseas for the promise of giving their families a good future. After all, why put them at risk in other countries when we can bring the opportunities to our own country and provide just about anyone with the chance to make something of themselves?
A Sense Of Sacrifice
Like I said in my article about Mar Roxas, real sacrifices hurt. A lot. And no, what Mar Roxas is doing can’t be called a “sacrifice” unless he really does dance in a thong. Jejomar Binay giving away freebies aren’t sacrifices either as he probably bought most of them using taxpayer money.
If anything, sacrifices are difficult acts done for the greater good no matter how painful they may seem. They may hurt, but then you realize that it’s for the greater good anyway. It’s like giving something away because someone else might need it more. Like giving your seat to an old person when on a bus or giving food you intend to eat to a starving beggar.
***
Okay then, I’ve said all I could. Now do you know what to look for in a candidate?
I HAVE RETURNED TO LAY WASTE TO OUR ENEMIES!
The president of our country has always been chosen by our LORD and shepherd Jesus Christ, his grace and wisdom guides the Filipino people.
Some have been good men, some have made some mistakes, but it is His chosen one, we must follow the wisdom of our lord and the laws of our people and support him!
His Grace Sir Aquinos has brought peace and prosperity to our country, I pray to the lord we will be blessed with a great man like Sir Aquinos again come 2016!
God bless the our waterproof spirits!
Amen
@Pagpag:
You may had eaten a lot of “Pagpag”…now, you are Hallucinating…
You must be high on that Yellow Propaganda that is currently being spewed all the time, eh?
“If the Leaders have no Vision; the People will perish…”, from the Christian Bible, Old Testament.
Graduating from Ivy League Colleges/Universities, means nothing. Look at Enrile. He graduated from Harvard University. However, Enrile is rotten to the core; a political opportunist; and is the most corrupt politician, I have ever seen on this Planet Earth. CFO Skilling of ENRON, who cooked the Accounting Books, to steal millions of U.S. dollars; is also a graduate of Harvard University. He is now in jail, serving his prison term.
Leadership and Maturity ( high Emotional Qoutient-EQ), are inherent for a good leader. Aquino has very low EQ and IQ.
Intelligence is also needed…high intelligence; with the ability to render good decisions; integrity and good moral character.
Leadership is a talent and an Art. It is inborn. You have to review the Track Records of the person, to see ; if he/she is a good leader. How he/she had behaved, in stressful condition, is very important.
Let us all remove those ShowBiz people ; Family Political Dynasty people and TRAPOS. They are all useless , for nation building…
Hello Grimwald
You’re talking to a very serious and sensitive issue, which very heated the minds of men.
Allow me to provide a few sentences German to discussion in the round.
The Philippines is a very beautiful and peaceful country. And most of its inhabitants are very nice people. However, the standard of living of most Filipinos at the level of the European Middle Ages. I know that at this point makes trouble for most Filipinos wide. But – ask those who know Europe from travel or work assignments. Especially Germany. Then you will see that I am not exaggerating.
Your question refers to a good candidate for the 2016th
What criteria should you look for?
First, a bitter determination must be made. Your country is divided into rich and poor, as in most countries around the world. But here is a very eye-catching feature! Namely 90 very poor people, 5% medium-sized businesses, and 5% rich.
The rich – let’s see who belongs, and why.
Each of you knows that the Philippines have suffered from corruption.
Through corruption and plundering of the country the Filipino people still loses a ton of money.
With this money the school system for all children could be free, the health care system could be rehabilitated, no child would have to live on the street and starving.
But instead, steal and rob “people” as Aquino, De Lima, Mison, Rosales, Paras III, De Castro, Ladesma, Santos and many others the Filipino people out.
These subjects claim to be – we are “PNOY” and “Noynoy”. But in reality there are only criminals. I should like to remind you that 52 senators, the process should be made for plundering the country. (The process is initiated only from a total of 1 million US $)
Do you see the connection?
To make for the Philippines is the extremely high crime rate with comparatively extremely low detection rate. And hintenan – the highly corrupt judges and prosecutors, and the many incompetent lawyers, all of which are fixed together only on money and not on law. Of course there are also very positive exceptions.
With the existing situation a good future is only an illusion and not a vision!
So you have to rephrase your question a little.
What personal characteristics have to bring for the candidacy a suitable candidate?
The first has to this candidate be a true patriot. Most of your “political gossips” there are speeches after about 101%, but you can see their actions there are felons.
Only a man of the people, who would not belong to a Marcos Aquino or communities to turn in the fortunes of the people able to do good. A man in the words and deeds form a unit.
Such a man would have a very difficult job. He would have to eliminate all the corrupt dirt has piled up. Corruption is the greatest evil for a nation, because it robs people of the strength.
Sann would be the lack of understanding of “PNOY” against the foreigners. But why? Given the history, it can be seen why the character of the Filipinos has formed in the present condition.
But – not all foreigners are bad, just like not all Filipinos are corrupt. This is a targeted ideologically guided toward the Aquino government. Only this is completely incomprehensible, since it relies on foreigners. Without foreign trade any currency without “know-how” transfer no new knowledge, without investment, no growth of the economy, and thus no new jobs.
So I could go on, but it should not tire the esteemed readers.
You’re talking about smart government officials. Show me someone who is a wise and people fed Taner official. I read the mocking words about solar and wind power in terms of Aquino and Santiago.
2012/13 had my company (www.tempimex.com) a wind farm and a biological waste treatment planned with methane gas production for the island of Masbate. US $ 110 million of investment funds were on call on our company accounts. In other words – 2000 – 2500 permanent jobs for Filipinos!
This investment has gone up in smoke. The funds have been invested in African and Arab countries. The reason for this can be found in xenophobia and lawlessness of aliens.
But only at the margins.
Then would still be a very sensitive issue. Namely the formation. My reference point for comparisons is always Germany. Even if you do not like the rest of the world, especially the Americans, so Germany is the number one in the world in innovation. The “why” is easy to answer. Education, discipline, hard work, loyalty and sense of order are special features. Thanks to these characteristics the people to defy all odds almost able. Of course there is corruption here. But very hidden, because everyone is caught can expect harsh penalties.
Had the Filipinos the opportunity for free access to a good education, and the corrupt elements would be removed and harshly punished, and the economy would be strengthened with the help of foreigners, then your visions would be very soon become a reality.
A man comes to mind as a suitable President – Rody Duterte. A shock for all subjects corrupt and criminals all colores. But a man with just these visions, his country – the Philippines – to make other countries par. The Philippines from the authoritarian regime of Aquino to lead to a genuine democracy.
Hi Andreas I read your reaction on the qualifications of a good leader by Grimwald, in the context of the coming elections. You seem to agree that people should use critical thinking in their choice of a leader which is why Grimwald’s comment by providing the hallmarks of a true leader must possess, is most welcomed. But in your comments I have difficulty understanding what exactly you are proposing we as electorate must use to guide us in voting for the suitable guy or gal to lead our republic. What sayeth?
@Andreas Huttner:
Danke fur den artikel, Freund…
Aleman:
Danke fur den article, Freund…
Pilipino translation:
Maraming salamat sa sinulat mo, Kaibigan…
To pagpag:
Oh my God! Give this poor soul the strength to recognize the reality and deliver them from their ignorance. Too much misery I have seen in this world but the words on this person are by far the greatest spiritual misery. Or is this person to the corrupt Aquino entourage, and is involved in the looting of the Philippines? Why else would this person should speak of prosperity?
See here the unchristian crimes, Aquino!
He is not a christian and not a good president, he is a traitor to the Filipino people.
http://www.philippinen-blacklist.com
My article is the result of my observations in the Philippines.
Let’s see a partial list of the characteristics of the candidate I will vote for:
1. Will unequivocally promise to pass an anti-dynasty bill.
2. Will pass a freedom of information bill that will allow us to immediately request and determine how and when government funds are disbursed.
3. Will have a concrete plan to solve metro manila traffic.
4. Will have a concrete plan to improve infrastructure (farm to market roads, better public transport, better credit facilities)
5. Will move to amend the constitution to abolish the 60-40 requirement in all industries and to allow some foreign ownership of land.
Hmmm, it’s fun to dream…
I agree with everything you said with the exception of an anti-dynasty bill. As long as a clan is democratically elected via fair and free elections and fulfills their duties and responsibilities, I think they should be permitted to hold power.
Instead of looking for a candidate with the right values, we need to establish an environment where it will be politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. I believe it was the late Milton Friedman who spoke of this.
A perfect, squeaky-clean candidate is never going to appear; not in this environment. Being a democracy, it would be better if we held our officials to a higher standard and reward them if they do good and punish them if they do bad. But as long as the common Filipino is happy with the bare minimum, the worst will always rise to power.
This. This is also what I’m want our people to realize.
Every politician has interest. There’s no such thing as a 100% good-natured politician. If it does exist, he’ definitely an incompetent fool.
What we must look for in a leader is the ability to balance his own interest and that of his constituents. And we, the people, must be capable of convincing our representatives that advancing our interests can also benefit him in the long run.
I’m not saying they should have ALL the traits I mentioned. I’m just saying they should at least have SOME of them.
Here is the translation of this article, if there are any interested here…
https://gup144.wordpress.com/2015/08/27/anong-dapat-hanapin-sa-mga-kandidato-sa-2016/
Failipinos live in a country in which politics has replaced philosophy. Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.
Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel. Politicians say they’re beefing up our economy. Most don’t know beef from pork. Politicians and diapers should be changed frequently and all for the same reason. There are far too many men in politics and not enough elsewhere.
An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry. Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule — and both commonly succeed, and are right. Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party. There are many “men of principle” in all parties in the Failippines, but there is no party of principle.
When campaign financiers/contributors/donors pay out over millions/billions of pesos to political campaigns, the Failippines is virtually up for sale.
The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning. Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you. Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
Truth is not determined by majority vote. We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate. Failipinos will never see an end of trouble until…lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power…become lovers of wisdom.
All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.
I think it’s about time they voted for Failipino politicians with breasts. After all, we’ve been voting for boobs long enough. In comparison to the United States, George Washington is the only president who didn’t blame the previous administration for all his troubles.
What? I would list what NOT TO FIND in a political candidate for the simple reason that I hardly know of any Pinoys who would have all “5 To Look For” traits. The few that are, are not engaged in politics.
Maybe not all 5, but at least 3 or more…
Candidates: WE WERE THE KINGS AND QUEENS OF A PROMISE
Voters: WE WERE THE VICTIMS OF OURSELVES
All of us: MAYBE THE CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (not the Christian God or any other gods of other religion)
Which is in: BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL
(Capitals are from the chorus of the song KINGS AND QUEENS by 30 Seconds to Mars)
Just listening to the song while reading this article.
Maganda iyan, Grimwald. Gayunman, I would add experience sa listahan mo. That was part of my criteria for voting for Dick Gordon, which I wrote about sa 2010:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/marcial-bonifacio/of-scooters-jeepneys-buses-and-airplanes-a-simple-case-against-gibo-noynoy-and-m/368745503413
What I’m looking for in a Philippine political candidate is for someone to say, “I’m corrupt and a product of a corrupt culture with dysfunctional values.” If a political candidate says that about himself (or herself), I’m voting for him, because he’s telling the truth.